Ikea to install solar panels at Denver-area store

New York City -- Ikea plans to use solar energy in its store under construction in the Denver suburb of Centennial. Pending governmental permits, installation of solar panels on the store’s roof will begin in February, with completion by grand opening this fall.



The planned 60,000-sq-ft. solar array will be designed, built and installed by REC Solar. It will consist of a 498-kW system, built with 2,212 panels, and will produce approximately 740,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent to reducing 586 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). It will contribute to the local utility’s renewable portfolio goals and will lower the carbon intensity of the electrical grid.



Additionally, IKEA Centennial will be the first U.S. Ikea store to integrate a geothermal component as part of its heating/cooling system.



Ikea U.S. already has solar energy systems in Brooklyn, N.Y., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Tempe, Ariz. It is also installing systems at eight existing locations in California and two stores on the East Coast.



“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with solar panels on the future Centennial store,” said Doug Greenholz, Ikea U.S. real estate manager. “Similar to geothermal, solar energy will reduce greatly the new store’s energy costs and carbon footprint as well as contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life for the many.”