Ikea to go solar in Tempe, Ariz.

Conshohocken, Pa. Ikea announced that it plans to install a solar-energy system in its store in Tempe, Ariz. The 46,000-sq.-ft. solar configuration, expected to be completed by fall, will consist of two 300-kWH systems, each built with approximately 1,300 panels. The system will produce approximately one million kWh of electricity annually for the store, offsetting 712 tons of carbon.

Ikea has contracted Gloria Solar, a division of E-Ton Solar Group, or the development, design and installation of the Tempe solar-power system. The project also is being implemented in conjunction with SRP, the third-largest public power utility in the country.

The 342,000-sq.-ft. Ikea Tempe opened in November 2004. This is the retailer’s third solar project in the United States.