Revolutionising Renewable Energy in the Caribbean with the Largest Rooftop Solar PV Project at Rite Way Food Markets
- Aug 12
- 5 min read
The Caribbean has taken a major step toward sustainable energy with the installation of the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system in the region at Rite Way Food Markets.
This 1MW solar project marks a significant milestone for renewable energy adoption in the Caribbean, showcasing how commercial enterprises can lead the way in reducing carbon footprints and energy costs. This blog post explores the technology behind this installation, its environmental and economic benefits, and the positive impact on local communities and future sustainability efforts.
1MW of Energy Independence in the British Virgin Islands: The Rite Way Tortola Story
The Scale and Significance of the largest Caribbean Rooftop Solar Installation
A 1MW rooftop solar PV system is a substantial installation, especially in the Caribbean where space and infrastructure can limit large-scale renewable projects. This system covers a large portion of the Rite Way Food Markets’ rooftop, harnessing abundant sunlight to generate clean electricity.
System size: 1.003MW capacity across four buildings
Client context: BVI’s single largest electricity consumer; 24/7 warehousing, cold storage and distribution; electricity ~$0.35/kWh and largely diesel-generated
Key challenge: No established commercial solar framework in the BVI; no precedent for grid connection/underwriting at megawatt rooftop scale; original roof warranties expired and load capacity needed verification; site had to keep operating throughout
What Your Eco did:
Worked directly with BVIEC to agree the grid framework, including a 25-year freeze on fixed charges
Commissioned a structural review with Reid Steel (original roof fabricator)
Engineered for resilience with mounting specified to 180mph wind rating
Technology: 2,006 DMEGC modules, 7 SolarEdge SE120K inverters, 1,008 S1200 optimisers (module-level monitoring; independent harvesting across roof planes)
Delivery: Installed by Your Eco’s UK team via sequential handovers April–July; completed in under 13 weeks with no trading days lost
Performance & benefits:
~1.80GWh/year generation
~33% of site demand met by solar
~705.25 tCO₂/year emissions saved (equivalent to 32,392 trees planted)
~$589,293/year electricity bill savings
This project is the largest of its kind in the Caribbean, setting a precedent for other businesses and institutions in the region. It demonstrates that solar energy is not only viable but also practical for commercial use, even in island environments where energy costs are traditionally high due to reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“Today marks one of the most significant milestones in RTW's 65-year history. The launch of the Caribbean's largest rooftop solar installation reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability and responsible corporate leadership. We are proud to partner with BVIEC and YourEco in delivering a project that benefits our business, our community and the future of the Virgin Islands.”
Jackie McDonagh Managing Director Roadtown Wholesale Trading Ltd.
“I'm incredibly proud to have overseen the delivery of Road Town Wholesale's pioneering, landmark solar installation with YourEco—not just because of its scale, but because of what it represents for the British Virgin Islands. This project proves that commercial rooftops can deliver serious, bankable energy: lower bills, stronger resilience, and a meaningful reduction in carbon emissions, without compromising on quality or safety. From design through to commissioning, our team focused on programme certainty and long-term performance alongside our partners at SolarEdge and Sunfixings, ensuring RTW has a system that will continue delivering value for decades. It has been a privilege to help a business take such a significant step towards greater energy resilience while supporting the Territory's broader transition to a more sustainable energy future. We hope this project sets a new benchmark for what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation and long-term investment in the region.”
Nick Spicer Chief Executive Officer Your Eco
Environmental Benefits of the Solar Project
The environmental impact of this solar PV installation is significant. By generating clean electricity on-site, Rite Way Food Markets reduces its carbon emissions substantially. Some key environmental benefits include:
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions: The 1MW system can offset approximately 1,200 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting over 30,000 trees.
Lower air pollution: Decreased reliance on diesel generators and fossil fuel power plants improves local air quality.
Conservation of natural resources: Solar energy reduces the need for imported fuels, preserving finite resources and reducing transportation emissions.
This project contributes to the Caribbean’s broader goals of combating climate change and promoting cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
Economic Advantages and Cost Savings
For Rite Way Food Markets, the solar installation offers more than environmental benefits. It provides tangible economic advantages that improve the market’s bottom line:
Reduced electricity bills: Solar power can cover a significant portion of the market’s energy needs, cutting monthly electricity costs by up to 30-40%.
Protection against rising energy prices: Solar energy provides a hedge against fluctuating fuel costs and electricity tariffs.
Return on investment: With government incentives and decreasing solar panel costs, the system is expected to pay for itself within 5 to 7 years.
Increased property value: Solar installations can enhance the value of commercial properties by lowering operational costs.
These savings can be redirected toward improving services, expanding operations, or investing in further sustainability projects.
Impact on Local Communities
The project’s benefits extend beyond Rite Way Food Markets. It positively affects the local community in several ways:
Job creation: The installation and maintenance of the solar system created jobs for local technicians and contractors.
Energy education: The project raises awareness about renewable energy and inspires other businesses and residents to consider solar power.
Energy resilience: By reducing strain on the local grid, the system helps improve overall energy reliability for the community.
Support for local economy: Savings on energy costs can lead to lower prices for consumers and increased economic activity.
This initiative shows how renewable energy projects can support community development while addressing environmental challenges.
The project was officially launched on July 9, during a press conference held at the RTW Support Center in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The event was attended by the Hon. Kye M. Rymer, Minister for Communications and Works, representatives of the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), YourEco, RTW leadership, invited guests, and members of the media, celebrating a landmark achievement in renewable energy for the Territory.
The landmark investment reflects RTW's commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with The North West Company's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Planet Pillar, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action. Roadtown Wholesale Trading Ltd. (RTW) is a majority-owned subsidiary of The North West Company (NWC), an international retailer serving rural and remote communities across Canada, Alaska, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Guided by NWC's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, the RTW Solar Project reflects a shared commitment to responsible corporate leadership, environmental stewardship and long-term investment in the communities they serve. As one of NWC's largest operations in the Caribbean, RTW is proud to help advance the company's vision of building stronger, more sustainable communities through innovation and responsible business practices.
The installation was delivered through a collaborative partnership between Roadtown Wholesale Trading Ltd., the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC), and YourEco.
Future Sustainability Initiatives Inspired by the Project
The success of the Rite Way Food Markets solar PV system sets a foundation for future sustainability efforts in the Caribbean. It encourages:
Expansion of solar projects: Other commercial and public buildings may follow suit, increasing the region’s renewable energy capacity.
Integration with energy storage: Adding battery systems can improve energy independence and grid stability.
Government policies: Demonstrating the viability of solar energy can motivate policymakers to introduce more incentives and supportive regulations.
Community solar programs: Shared solar initiatives can make renewable energy accessible to more residents and small businesses.
This project acts as a catalyst for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future in the Caribbean.
The largest rooftop solar PV project at Rite Way Food Markets is a clear example of how renewable energy can transform the Caribbean’s energy landscape. It combines advanced technology, environmental responsibility, and economic sense to create a model for others to follow. As more businesses and communities embrace solar power, the region moves closer to energy independence and a healthier planet. Readers interested in renewable energy can look to this project as proof that sustainable solutions are within reach and worth pursuing.
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