PowerFlex Helps Medline Build National Solar Portfolio, Including Largest Rooftop Project in New York

Medline Industries is a global leader in healthcare, manufacturing and distributing a wide range of medical supplies and solutions. With operations in more than 125 countries and territories, Medline works alongside healthcare organizations at every stage of patient care. — from hospitals and clinics to long-term care facilities and home health.

The Challenge

Support Leading Medical Supplier’s Carbon Reduction Strategy With Solar

The company is intently focused on setting and meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, including reducing its carbon footprint. With over 28 million square feet of warehouse space, Medline is an excellent candidate for large-scale rooftop solar energy systems.

Medline needed a partner who was not only an expert in solar planning and execution but also experienced in scaling solar solutions across a national portfolio of facilities. Additionally, Medline was seeking ways to make good on its commitment to supporting its employees and surrounding communities.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Large-Scale Installations Across Multiple Solar-Friendly States

INSTALLATION TYPE

Rooftop Solar
Battery Energy Storag

INSTALLATION SIZE

28.1 MW

LOCATIONS

California
Florida
Illinois
Massachusetts
Maryland
New York

INCENTIVES

SGIP (CA) • NY-Sun (NY) • SMART (MA)

Medline chose PowerFlex as a strategic solar partner, with more than 10 projects completed or under development to date. Solar installations span California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, and New York — with some also including battery energy storage that can store and shift the use of solar energy to later points in the day.

Perhaps the most ambitious project in the portfolio is at Medline’s distribution center in Montgomery, New York. At 7.2-megawatts (MW), it’s the largest rooftop solar project in the state as of 2024. It’s comprised of more than 17,000 panels that generate 8.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually — reducing carbon emission by nearly 6,000 metric tons each year. Built as a community solar project, Medline shares 60% of the clean energy produced with its employees and local residents.

Another project of note is the 1.7-MW system installed at the company’s Auburndale, Florida, distribution center. Generating 2.6 million kWh yearly, the rooftop solar system is capable of offsetting 100% of the facility’s annual electricity consumption — helping Medline reduce its operating costs. The project will avoid nearly 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to planting 45,000 trees.

By partnering with PowerFlex, Medline was able to leverage solar policy experts to secure the most lucrative state-based financial incentives available, including the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program in the Bay State and the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) in California. For the landmark community solar project in New York, Medline benefited from the state’s NY-Sun program, which granted the company $3 million in project support.

“PowerFlex has continued to be a great partner for us … They are indispensable in terms of project management and handling the solutions that we need for doing these types of projects.”

Jim Burgess

Director of Sustainability, Medline Industries

Medline’s Commitment to Sustainability

Medline’s renewable portfolio has expanded so that 40% of their U.S. distribution centers (8.3 million square feet of warehouse space) are LEED certified or pending approval.

In partnering with PowerFlex for their solar system project, Medline was able to produce energy with the environmental benefits equivalent to taking nearly 250 automobiles off the road or saving over 130,000 gallons of gas annually. Medline’s use of solar energy will result in the avoidance of 1,167 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The reduction of their carbon emissions is equivalent to planting over 30,200 trees.