Walmart Unveils 100th Solar Installation in California

August 2, 2012

Walmart debuted its 100th solar powered store in California, exceeding the company’s goal of outfitting three quarters of its store base in the state with solar panels.

The San Diego store is now using rooftop solar panels to generate power, contributing to the company's broader goal of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy. Walmart’s California partner, SolarCity, installs and supports the rooftop panels.

"At Walmart, we believe sustainability is about living better," said Kimberly Sentovich, senior vp of the Pacific Division for Walmart. "By using one of California'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."

The total combined solar efforts in California are 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 10 to 30 percent of each facility's total electricity needs

There are now 100 Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs in California using traditional and thin film solar installations. After launching its solar pilot program in May 2007, Walmart strengthened its commitment to renewable energy in the state of California last year when it announced plans to expand its solar portfolio to more than 75 percent of its stores in California, approximately 130 stores, by the end of 2013. Since then the company has worked with local companies to install solar technology at stores from Chico to San Diego, including 43 stores in the Los Angeles area, 17 stores in the Bay Area, 11 stores in San Diego and 10 stores in Sacramento. Approximately 20 additional solar powered stores are located elsewhere in California.

"Walmart's solar power initiatives shows how companies can help bring cost-effective energy solutions to scale as part of 'business-as-usual,'" said Gwen Ruta, vice president of Environmental Defense Fund's Corporate Partnership Program. "This milestone for Walmart's efforts demonstrates the growing roles for renewables in America's energy future."

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