Ikea Installes Large Solar Energy Array at California Distribution Plant

TEJON, Calif. — Swedish home furnishings giant Ikea powered up a solar energy system at a distribution center here that it says is the second-largest single-roof commercial system in the state and the sixth largest in the nation.

The 370,000-square-foot solar array consists of a 1.8 megawatt system designed and installed by California-based REC Solar and built with 7,980 panels.

The solar system will produce 2.88 million kilowatt hours of electric power annually, the equivalent of eliminating the emissions of 389 cars, or powering 241 homes yearly, Ikea reported in a press release.

It also contributes to the local utility's renewable portfolio goals.

"Having solar panels on the roof of this distribution center demonstrates that the company's sustainable commitment extends beyond our stores into all facets of the retail operations," said Martin Grieder, distribution operations manager for western North America, in the press release.

In the U.S., Ikea has solar energy systems in four stores and is installing them at nine other locations, including a Denver-area store opening this year that also will have a geothermal system.

The 1.8 million-square-foot Tejon Distribution Center opened in 2000 on 60 acres along Interstate 5 in Kern County.

Source:   Furniture Today

IKEA to Install .5 MW System at Denver Store

IKEA is planning to install solar panels on the roof of one of its U.S. stores. The 60,000-square foot rooftop array on the Swedish retail giant’s Centennial store will be installed by REC Solar and, pending government permitting, will be opened this autumn.

Around 740,000kWh of electricity will be generated every year by the 498kW system’s 2,212 panels every year. The installation is the latest in a line of recent solar initiatives by IKEA in the U.S. – it has already fitted systems in Brooklyn, Pittsburgh and Tempe, with more planned on both the east and west coasts.

“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with solar panels on the future Centennial store,” said Doug Greenholz, IKEA U.S. real estate manager. “Similar to geothermal, solar energy will reduce greatly the new store's energy costs and carbon footprint as well as contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many.”

Source:   PV Tech