Kohl's to add solar system to 63 California stores

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. Kohl's Department Stores Wednesday unveiled its rooftop solar energy system at its Laguna Niguel store as part of the largest planned U.S. photovoltaic solar rollout to date. The company said it plans to build solar electric systems at 63 of its California Kohl's stores. At completion, Kohl's solar program will represent approximately 15% of California's photovoltaic installations to date, the company reported.

According to the company Kohl's solar power systems will generate more than 35 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually, the equivalent of powering an estimated 3,087 California homes.

"Today's activation marks a significant milestone for Kohl's. Through our solar introduction, we're further extending our commitment to green power and making a significant contribution to California's renewable energy goals," said Ken Bonning, Kohl's evp of logistics.

Kohl's rooftop solar photovoltaic systems are being built under an agreement with SunEdison, North America's largest solar energy services provider. Under the agreement, SunEdison manages the rooftop solar energy systems in exchange for Kohl's commitment to purchase energy from SunEdison. In total, more than 138,000 solar panels are expected to be used when Kohl's solar installations are complete in 2008.