Ikea to install solar panels on two DCs

Conshohocken, Pa. -- Ikea has announced plans to install solar energy panels on two distribution centers in the Eastern United States. Installation will occur this summer on the chain’s center in Perryville, Md., and Westampton, N.J. Both projects will rank among the largest commercial rooftop solar installations in the United States, and their implementation will extend the Ikea solar presence to nearly 89% of its U.S. locations.



Collectively, the two distribution centers will total 4.92 Megawatts (MW) of solar-generating capacity, more than 34,000 panels, and an annual output of 5,933,200 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity – the equivalent to reducing 4,509 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) – equal to eliminating the emissions of 802 cars or providing electricity for 510 homes yearly.



Ikea will own and operate each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings – as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement).



Ikea already has 17 U.S. solar energy systems operational with 20 more underway. Installing panels atop these two additional locations will increase the company’s U.S. solar presence to nearly 89% and will result in a total generating capacity of 38 MW in the United States.



“We are excited at the opportunity to increase our U.S. solar presence further with solar energy systems atop these two east coast distribution centers,” said Mike Ward, Ikea U.S. president. “With only 44 locations nationwide, we try to contribute whenever and wherever possible to creating a better everyday life for the many. These plans for installing solar panels on the roofs of two additional distribution centers demonstrate that our sustainable commitment extends beyond just stores, into all facets of the retail operations.”