September 2, 2026
RBC has launched the RBC Community Solar Program, a national initiative designed to help community organizations develop solar energy projects while reducing operating costs and creating long-term revenue opportunities. Through the program, RBC commits to purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) for 10 years, providing participating organizations with a reliable revenue stream that can be reinvested into community programs.
The program addresses a key barrier facing community organizations: the financial viability of installing solar energy systems. By purchasing RECs generated by participating projects, RBC helps provide predictable long-term revenue while supporting locally sourced renewable power.
The initiative also supports RBC’s climate strategy and commitment to source 100% of its global electricity from renewable energy. Because RBC leases much of its real estate, opportunities to install solar directly on its properties are limited.
One of the program’s first participants is BUILD, an Indigenous social enterprise, non-profit contractor and training program in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Its 109.8-kilowatt solar installation is expected to generate electricity equivalent to powering approximately 12 homes. The project will also provide hands-on training opportunities while helping BUILD lower operating costs and generate REC revenue.
The RBC Foundation provided additional capital funding to support the installation.
Holland College is also participating with solar installations at its Prince of Wales Campus in Charlottetown and Atlantic Police Academy in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Together, the installations are expected to provide 214.5 kilowatts of capacity, equivalent to powering approximately 22 homes.
The projects complement Holland College’s investments in efficient campus infrastructure while providing long-term operational benefits. RBC Foundation also contributed capital funding toward the installations.
By combining solar infrastructure with long-term REC purchases, the RBC Community Solar Program creates a model designed to support renewable energy development while generating financial and community benefits.
The initial projects demonstrate how solar installations can simultaneously reduce operating costs, support workforce training and provide revenue that community organizations can reinvest into their missions.
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