May 12, 2011
Ikea flipped the switch on a newly constructed solar energy system at its southwestern U.S. distribution center in Tejon, Calif.
The 370,000-square-foot solar array consists of a 1.8 MW system designed and installed by California-based REC Solar, and built with 7,980 panels. The system will produce 2.88 million kWh of electric power annually.
The installation represents the second-largest, single-roof commercial system in the state, and the sixth largest in the nation, according to a company statement.
“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, Ikea’s distribution operations manager for Western North America. “This solar photovoltaic system will reduce significantly the carbon footprint and electricity costs of this facility and will continue the global and U.S. initiative of Ikea to incorporate sustainable practices wherever feasible.”
Ikea currently has solar energy systems operational in four stores in the U.S. with systems currently being installed at nine other locations.