Greentech Lead America: Walmart has commissioned a solar
array installed on the roof top of its College Avenue store in San Diego.
This is 100thCalifornia Walmart store using rooftop solar panels to
generate power, contributing to the company’s broader goal of being supplied
100 percent by renewable energy.
Walmart is working with California-based SolarCity to
develop its solar energy generating projects. The San Mateo, Calif.-based
company will install, manage, and maintain 70 of the 100 new solar power
systems. Walmart’s investment in solar power typically generates an average of
48 contract positions per site.
“Walmart is showing other businesses that you can
create jobs and reduce air pollution by using better energy. In Walmart, other
businesses seeking efficiency and smart energy policy have a strong example to
follow,” saidLyndon Rive, CEO, SolarCity.
Walmart expects its focus on solar installations will
provide 10 to 30 percent of each facility’s total electricity needs. The total
combined solar efforts in California are expected to generate up to 70
million kilowatt hours of clean, renewable energy annually and avoid producing
more than 21,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Walmart has plans to expand its solar portfolio to more
than 75 percent of its stores in California, approximately 130 stores, by
the end of 2013.
“At Walmart, we believe sustainability is about
living better. By using one ofCalifornia’s greatest resources – sunshine – and
employing renewable technology with our California-based partners, we will
continue developing solutions that are both good for the environment and good
for business,” said Kimberly Sentovich, senior vice president of the
Pacific Division for Walmart.
Walmart deploys six solar systems in Colorado
Recently, 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.
editor@greentechlead.com