REC Solar powers IKEA solar energy panels at College Park

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REC Solar powers IKEA solar energy panels at College Park


By Greentech Lead Team: IKEA, a home furnishings
retailer, has plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its store in
College Park, Maryland. This installation represents the 15th completed solar
energy project for IKEA in the United States.

IKEA has contracted with REC Solar, one of the largest
U.S. solar electric installers for the development, design and installation of
the College Park store’s solar power system. IKEA’s plans to install solar
systems at 22 more locations, this will make the eventual U.S. solar presence
of IKEA nearly 85 percent and a total generation of 30.8 MW.

“We at IKEA believe in the never-ending job of striving
to improve the sustainability of our day-to-day business. The IKEA coworkers in
College Park are excited to help contribute to this goal with our newly
operational solar energy system. We appreciate the support of the City of
College Park, PEPCO and REC Solar, our partners in this project,” said Tracie
Wiesman, IKEA College Park store manager.  

IKEA College Park’s PV array consists of a 1,196-kW
system, built with 4,984 panels expected to produce approximately 1,571,800 kWh
of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of offsetting 1,195 tons of
carbon dioxide (CO2), and the emissions of 213 cars or powering 135 homes
yearly.

IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy
systems atop its buildings as opposed to a solar lease or PPA.

Recently, IKEA announced four Blink Level 2 electric
vehicle charging stations at its East Palo Alto, California store as part of
its partnership with ECOtality. This initiative represents the eighth such
project for IKEA in the United States.


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