Walmart in huge solar project; 400 systems over four years

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -Walmart is making a major investment in solar energy, with plans to install up to 400 new solar projects at stores and facilities across the nation during the next four years. The retailer has tapped two solar energy providers for the installations, SolarCity and SunEdison, following an RFP process.



The new installations will advance Walmart’s global commitment to drive the production or procurement of seven billion kWh of renewable energy by the end of 2020 and its goal to be supplied by 100% renewable energy. To date, Walmart has to date installed approximately 260 solar projects to date in the United States. Walmart’s commercial solar deployment is now 105 MW, and has resulted in more than $5 million savings in energy expenses.



“We are pleased to announce this expansion on the heels of the Solar Energy Industries Association’s commercial solar report, which recognizes Walmart as having the most installed solar capacity in the U.S.,” said Pam Kohn, executive VP at Walmart and president of Walmart Realty.



The installations will vary in size, in line with the respective store or facility. It is expected that smaller systems will provide 10 to 20% of the facility’s electricity requirements and larger systems will provide 20 to 30% of the power needed by the facility.



“This is the beginning of the next wave in renewable energy for Walmart, an effort we announced in May when we welcomed President Obama to our Mountain View California store,” said Kim Saylors-Laster, VP of energy at Walmart. “These projects bring us closer to fulfilling our commitment to double the number of on-site solar energy projects in U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers—thereby reducing our energy expenses and generating clean energy in local communities.”



“SunEdison is one of Walmart’s earliest solar providers with projects dating back to 2007,” said Katherine Jennrich, senior manager of energy services at Walmart. “And, SolarCity has been Walmart’s largest solar provider, installing more than 200 projects together since 2010. We are excited to expand our work with both providers.”