Big Y Foods Offsets Energy Costs With Ground-Mounted Solar at New England Facilities

Big Y Foods, Inc. is a family-owned supermarket chain with deep roots in New England known for its commitment to quality, value, and community service since 1936. As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and support environmental stewardship, Big Y continues to invest in innovative solutions that benefit both its business and the communities it serves. By partnering with PowerFlex to implement ground-mounted solar installations across multiple locations, Big Y demonstrates its dedication to responsible growth and a more sustainable future for its customers and employees.

The Challenge

Advancing Sustainability Across Multiple Locations

As Big Y Foods, Inc. expanded its operations in New England, the company faced the challenge of managing rising energy costs while staying true to its longstanding commitment to community and sustainability. With large facilities in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, Big Y needed a solution that would deliver significant financial savings and reduce its environmental impact, all while supporting its core values of service and stewardship. The company sought a partner who could navigate the unique regulatory landscapes of each state and implement clean energy projects that would benefit both the business and the populations it serves.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Customized Solar Installations for Regional Impact

INSTALLATION TYPE

Ground-Mounted Solar

INSTALLATION SIZE

2.5 MW

LOCATIONS

Stafford Springs, CT
Southwick, MA

INCENTIVES

Zero Emissions Renewable Energy Credit (ZREC) Program (CT) • Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) Program (MA)

PowerFlex partnered with Big Y to design and install ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems at two major locations: a 655-kW array in Stafford Springs, Connecticut, and an 1,865-kW system in Southwick, Massachusetts. Each project was tailored to the specific site, maximizing energy production and financial returns through state-specific incentive programs. Together, these systems generate over 3.1 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually, offsetting a significant portion of each facility’s energy needs. By leveraging power purchase agreements and available incentives, Big Y was able to secure onsite renewable energy at rates below traditional utility prices, supporting both its bottom line and its commitment to community-focused sustainability.