The North Okanagan is now home to the largest solar panel installation in British Columbia, following the completion of a massive rooftop project at a Coldstream industrial park. The development marks a major step in the region’s shift toward renewable energy and sustainable growth.
The new installation was introduced by Restoration Lands Inc., a company led by CEO and founder Michael Molnar. Just over a year ago, Molnar had shared plans to transform the rooftop of his facility into a solar farm. That vision has now become reality with a system that spans the size of two football fields.
The installation features 2,460 bifacial solar panels. These panels are designed to capture light on both the front and back sides, making them more efficient than traditional models. Together, the panels can generate enough electricity to power 150 homes. In practical terms, that equates to 25 percent of the total energy needs of the Coldstream industrial park.
Molnar emphasized that using the building’s rooftop for the project made better sense than clearing new land for development. His focus was on creating renewable energy while preserving space. “This initiative reflects our family’s focus on not just building for today, but also enabling for tomorrow,” he said. “It is about revitalizing Coldstream with sustainable infrastructure, new economic opportunities, and environmental leadership.”
According to Molnar, the project is part of a larger plan to expand local industry. His long-term goal is to create 1,000 jobs within the industrial park by combining innovation, creativity, and hard work. The solar project is seen as a cornerstone of that vision.
The unveiling event drew attention from across the province, including senior leadership from BC Hydro. President and CEO Charlotte Mitha praised the project as an example of how business and utilities can work together to advance renewable energy. “This project is quite a technical feat. It’s a blueprint for how utilities and industry can collaborate to drive electrification, sustainability, and economic renewal,” Mitha noted.
To bring the project to life, Restoration Lands Inc. received significant financial support through BC Hydro’s Load Displacement Program. The initiative provides incentives for large-scale energy users to generate their own electricity on-site, reducing demand on the wider provincial grid. Restoration Lands Inc. was awarded a custom incentive of $875,000, which covered 40 percent of the total installation cost.
The industrial park’s management is already exploring the possibility of expanding the system. A potential second phase could double the existing solar capacity and include battery storage solutions, which would allow power to be stored and used during peak demand hours or in the evening.
Energy experts point out that large rooftop installations like this one highlight the growing role of local renewable energy in British Columbia’s future. Unlike traditional solar farms, which often require clearing land, rooftop projects make use of existing infrastructure. This approach supports sustainability goals without impacting farmland or natural ecosystems.
For the community of Coldstream, the benefits extend beyond renewable energy. The project boosts the local economy through construction jobs, ongoing maintenance, and long-term business opportunities. It also positions the town as a leader in clean technology adoption.
Across Canada, interest in renewable energy is on the rise, with solar power playing a central role. British Columbia has seen growing investment in solar, wind, and hydroelectric projects as part of its wider climate goals. The Coldstream installation is now the largest rooftop solar system in the province, setting a new standard for other regions to follow.
Looking ahead, Restoration Lands Inc. plans to continue pushing forward with clean energy initiatives. With support from both the private sector and provincial programs, Coldstream could become a model for how industrial parks can integrate renewable energy while fostering economic development.
As the largest solar panel installation in British Columbia, the Coldstream project not only generates clean power but also represents a vision of sustainable growth. It demonstrates how innovation, collaboration, and commitment to the environment can create lasting benefits for both businesses and the community.
