J.C. Penney Launches Solar- and Wind-Power Projects

Plano, Texas J. C. Penney Co. announced plans for solar- and wind-power projects that will supply electricity to 10 stores and one distribution center. J.C. Penney also aims to obtain ENERGY STAR certification for at least 200 stores, the company said.

J.C. Penney has engaged SunPower to install solar-power systems at 10 J.C. Penney stores in California and New Jersey. According to the company, the solar systems will be financed, owned and operated by a third-party financier, from which J.C. Penney will purchase the solar-generated electricity under a SunPower Access power-purchase agreement. The rooftop installations are expected to be finished in November.

J.C. Penney has also reached an agreement with Broadstar Wind Systems on a pilot program to install wind turbines at J.C. Penney's 1.6 million-sq.-ft. distribution center in Reno, Nev. Following the installation, which also will be completed in November, J.C. Penney will purchase electricity generated by the system from Broadstar.

"Hosting these solar and wind projects will add to our knowledge of the benefits and potential applications of renewable-energy programs at our facilities," said Myron Ullman, III, chairman and CEO. "Together with the energy-saving initiatives we already have in place in our stores and distribution centers, this is another significant step toward achieving our environmental objectives.”