Burnbrae Farms Commercial Solar Project

The Challenge

Burnbrae Farms, a major Canadian egg producer, faced mounting pressure from volatile energy prices, making it increasingly difficult to predict and control operational costs within their high-demand food processing environment. Additionally, the organization was committed to ambitious sustainability goals, seeking a pathway to Net Zero emissions by 2050. The challenge was to find a resilient, future-proof energy solution that would hedge against utility rate volatility, support decarbonization, and ensure operational continuity without disrupting production.

The Solution

Recognizing the strategic importance of energy independence and decarbonization, Burnbrae Farms evaluated several approaches before selecting Otter Energy’s turnkey commercial solar EPC solution. Otter Energy’s proven expertise in custom-engineering high-reliability solar systems for industrial clients, combined with their ability to maximize financial incentives and guarantee zero operational downtime, set them apart. “When we looked at our long-term goals and the reality of rising utility rates, moving to large-scale solar with Otter Energy was an easy decision. It aligns with our family values of being good stewards of the land while simultaneously making our business more resilient for the next generation.” — Vice President, Burnbrae Farms This collaborative approach enabled Burnbrae Farms to transform their industrial rooftop into a high-performance renewable energy asset, supporting both their sustainability mission and business growth objectives.

The Results

The Otter Energy solar installation at Burnbrae’s Mississauga facility delivered immediate and measurable results. The project is projected to generate over $2.5 million in lifetime energy savings, with a robust 27% internal rate of return and a total ROI of more than 515%. The rapid payback period—under 4.3 years—was accelerated by leveraging a $322,500 Save-ON Energy grant and first-year tax incentives. The system produces 425 MWh of clean energy in its inaugural year, significantly reducing both operational emissions and Burnbrae’s reliance on the provincial grid. Importantly, the installation was completed with zero downtime, ensuring uninterrupted food production throughout the process. “Burnbrae Farms is a prime example of how the food and beverage industry can lead the energy transition. With a 27% IRR, this isn’t just an environmental choice, it’s a core fiscal strategy that protects them from energy inflation for decades.” — Peter Vogel, Chief Development Officer, Otter Energy This project not only strengthens Burnbrae’s energy resilience and environmental stewardship, but also sets a benchmark for financial and operational excellence in commercial food production.