Wal-mart To Broaden Its Solar Power Program

The world’s largest retailer announced Wednesday (Sept. 21) that it plans to install solar panels on 60 additional stores in California, which would place solar panels on 75% of the company’s retail stores in the state.

"California presents a great opportunity for Walmart to make significant progress toward our sustainability goals by installing solar power on more than 130 store rooftops throughout the state," Kim Saylors-Laster, Walmart vice president of energy, said in a statement. "Walmart has reduced energy expenses by more than a million dollars through our solar program, allowing us to pass these savings on to our customers in the form of everyday low prices."

When complete, Walmart’s total solar commitment in California is expected to:

• Generate up to 70 million kilowatt hours of clean, renewable energy per year, which is the equivalent of powering more than 5,400 homes;
• Avoid producing more than 21,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is the equivalent of taking approximately 4,100 cars off the road; and,
• Provide 20% to 30% of each facility’s total electric needs.

According to the company, the investment in solar power is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs in California through its partnership with SolarCity, which will own, install and maintain the new solar power systems.

The San Mateo, Calif.-based company has added more than 500 new full-time jobs since it initiated its first Walmart solar project, and expects to hire hundreds more before the end of the year.

"Our solar efforts in California have proven to be a great way for Walmart to build our renewable energy program," said Mack Wyckoff, senior manager of renewable energy at Walmart. "We are confident that we will continue to grow our solar energy program in the U.S. and around the world because of the initial success we have had in California."

Walmart is using a number of renewable technologies around the world to make progress towards its goal of being supplied by 100% renewable energy.