Kohl’s brings solar locations total up to 79

Menomonee Falls, Wis. Kohl’s Department Stores has opened its 59th solar location in California, in Sacramento. The store, one of 30 California locations opened on Wednesday by the chain, is Kohl’s 79th solar location nationwide.

The Sacramento store features a 990-panel, 206 kilowatt solar array that will generate approximately 50% of the store’s energy and is expected to offset almost 5.7 million lbs. of CO2 during its lifespan. Other recent California solar locations activated by Kohl’s in the last month include Mira Loma, Rancho San Diego and San Jose South.

“Energy efficiency and green power are key business and environmental strategies for Kohl’s, and we continue to work to make them an integral part of building and expansion efforts,” said Ken Bonning, Kohl’s executive VP store planning and logistics. “Our solar program is a hallmark of our green power efforts, and we’re continuing to expand it because it demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and improving the environment directly in the communities we serve.”

The 30 stores Kohl’s opened in California on Wednesday were among the 36 former Mervyns locations acquired by the chain since December 2008. These California locations, like all Kohl’s stores, have high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, occupancy sensor lighting for stockrooms, break rooms and offices, and a recycling program for cardboard boxes, hangers and packaging.

Kohl’s near-term goal is to have 100 solar locations in six states: California, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland and Oregon. Currently, California is home to 75% of Kohl’s solar stores, including its largest solar array at the San Bernardino distribution center.