Greentech Lead America: Walmart announced the
installation of six solar power projects in stores in Colorado. This is part of
Walmart’s long-term goal of using 100 percent renewable energy for its retail
and distribution facilities.
The installations, totaling 2 MW on three stores in
Westminster and one each in Lakewood, Highlands Ranch and Lafayette, will help
Colorado meet its renewable energy goals. Colorado hopes to produce 30 percent
of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
“Solar power continues to show promise as an
alternative to traditional power for its environmental and economic benefits.
We are proud to work with SolarCity and the state of Colorado on this project
that creates local jobs, and ultimately helps Walmart reduce its energy costs,
so that we can continue to pass on savings to our customers,” said Kim
Saylors-Laster, Walmart vice president of energy.
SolarCity will install, own and maintain the six new
solar power systems. SolarCity engineered and delivered a customized,
cost-effective solution to address the needs of large, flat rooftop-solar systems operating in the Rocky Mountain climate.
“SolarCity has now installed solar panels on Walmart
stores in California, Arizona and Colorado, helping the company to boost both
renewable energy and employment in these states and demonstrating that
businesses can pay less for solar power than they currently pay for
electricity,” said Toby Corey, SolarCity’s chief revenue officer.
The projects are expected to generate nearly three
million kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy per year equivalent of
powering more than 225 homes. The solar projects are expected to offset more
than 5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
“With these six solar power systems in Colorado, we
reach an exciting milestone of 100 solar power installations on U.S. Walmart
stores, clubs, and distribution centers,” said Marty Gilbert, Walmart
director of energy.
Recently, SolarCity introduced a home energy loan for energy efficiency upgrades to American
homeowners.