IKEA has announced plans to add 40,000 square feet of solar panels atop its Detroit-area store operating in Canton, Michigan.
The additional installation will cater to increased electricity generation needed for the store operations as well as reduce the carbon dioxide emissions.
It will be the state’s largest roof-top solar array seeking to minimize impacts to the environment and respect nature, according to IKEA authorities.
The installation of new panels will begin by spring 2015 and completion is expected by summer.
The company plans to install the solar array with 765 panels on the roof that will generate 287,490 kWh of electricity annually, adding to the existing system of 4,925 solar panels at the store.
Through this installation, the company expects to reduce about 984 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year.
IKEA selected Inovateus Solar for the development, design and installation of this store’s enhanced solar power system.
The retailer firm uses solar energy in about 90percent of its 46 locations in entire U.S with a total generation goal of 40 MW.
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IKEA has globally allocated $1.8 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2015, with the goal of being energy independent by 2020.
IKEA has installed around 700,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and owns nearly 157 wind turbines in Europe and Canada, with 104 more being built in the U.S.
With an aim to maintain clean environmental resources, the firm has adapted various sustainable measures. Its specific U.S. efforts include, recycling waste material; incorporating energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water-conserving restrooms.
In addition, the firm has also eliminated plastic bags from the checkout lines, stopped the sale of incandescent bulbs, and by 2016, will sell only LED lights.
IKEA also has installed EV charging stations at 13 stores.
Sabeena Wahid
editor@greentechlead.com