Wal-Mart Implements Solar Power System

HANFORD, Calif. Wal-Mart Stores has installed a 554-kilowatt solar power system at its store in Hanford, Calif. The system is estimated to generate approximately 15% of the store's electricity.

This Hanford store is part of a Wal-Mart pilot project to purchase solar power systems from SunPower Corp. and other solar providers for up to 22 Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Club locations and distribution centers in California and Hawaii.

It is expected these solar power systems at Wal-Mart's facilities will replace 7,000 to 8,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year. The systems help move Wal-Mart towards its long-term goal to be fully supplied by renewable energy.

The Hanford Wal-Mart store and a nearby Wal-Mart distribution center in Porterville are two of eight Wal-Mart facilities in California to receive SunPower solar power systems by the end of this year.