Metheun, MA
Shaw Industries is a global leader in flooring solutions, known for its massive logistics and distribution network. To manage the immense power requirements of a high-capacity distribution hub in the Northeast, Shaw turned to Stellar Solar Commercial to implement a renewable energy strategy at its Methuen, Massachusetts facility. In December 2014, our team successfully activated a gargantuan 2.3 MW rooftop solar array, transforming one of the region’s largest industrial rooftops into a high-performance power plant.
The Shaw Distribution Center project represents a masterclass in megawatt-scale solar engineering. Designing a system of this magnitude in Massachusetts requires a sophisticated understanding of structural roof loads, particularly to account for the heavy snow loads common in the Merrimack Valley. Stellar Solar Commercial engineered a robust, high-density solution that remains one of the most significant commercial installations in the state.
The technical specifications of the Methuen project feature:
-7,700 High-Efficiency Modules: This sprawling array of nearly eight thousand panels was meticulously configured to maximize solar harvest across the center’s expansive footprint.
-2.3 MW Installed Capacity: At over two megawatts, this system is a heavy-duty energy asset, engineered to offset a massive portion of the facility’s daily industrial electrical load.
-Redundant Inverter Architecture: To manage the immense power conversion, we utilized a high-capacity inverter strategy that ensures system reliability and granular performance tracking, essential for a 24/7 logistics operation.
For a distribution center of this scale, electricity is a massive, non-negotiable line item. Lighting, automated sorting systems, and climate control for over a million square feet of space create a constant, heavy draw on the local grid. By activating this system in 2014, Shaw effectively “harvested the sun” to lock in its energy costs for decades.
In the 2026 energy landscape, where utility rates for large industrial users in New England have reached historic highs, the foresight of this installation provides a massive competitive advantage. Generating millions of kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually on-site does more than just lower a bill; it stabilizes operating margins and protects the facility from the volatility of the Northeast energy market.
Since 1998, Stellar Solar Commercial has been the preferred partner for California’s most demanding commercial clients, but our expertise extends to complex, high-capacity projects nationwide. Our 28-year history is built on a foundation of technical “know-how” and a commitment to quality that is essential for mission-critical logistics hubs.
Our in-house team of engineers and project managers handles the entire lifecycle of these 100kW+ and MW-scale projects—from initial structural analysis and local code compliance to navigating complex utility interconnection and state-specific incentive programs. We specialize in working within “live” distribution environments where maintaining 100% operational uptime is the top priority during the construction phase.
As we move through 2026, the strategy for large-scale distribution centers has evolved to include Solar + Battery Storage. For facilities like Methuen, adding utility-scale battery systems allows them to store excess daytime solar energy and “peak-shave” during the most expensive hours, further insulating the business from grid instability and winter demand surges.
Stellar Solar Commercial remains at the forefront of this transition, helping industry leaders like Shaw Industries design and deploy the energy infrastructure of the future. We turn massive industrial roofs into powerful revenue protectors.
If your distribution facility is ready to follow the lead of global innovators like Shaw and reclaim control over your energy future, contact Stellar Solar Commercial today at 858-395-6905. We provide comprehensive, free commercial site evaluations to help you discover the solar potential of your facility.