California Sam's Club goes Solar

CHINO, Calif. Wal-Mart Stores and SunPower, a manufacter of solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, today reported that the installation of a 390-kilowatt solar system at the Sam's Club store in Chino, Calif. is complete.

The Sam's Club in Chino, according to the companies, is the first of seven California Wal-Mart facilities to receive solar power systems. In addition, the company will be adding solar power, provided by SunPower and others, to approximately 22 Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Clubs and distribution centers in Hawaii and California. The stores included in the pilot project are expected to achieve savings over their current utility rates as soon as the first day of operation.

"We are very pleased with SunPower's progress on the Chino solar project," said Kim Saylors-Laster, vp of energy for Wal-Mart. "Wal-Mart is moving forward with its commitment to conserve energy, reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions -- and this project is a step in the right direction."