Report: Retailers lead U.S. companies in use of solar power; Walmart No. 1

Orlando, Fla. -- The nation’s chain retailers lead the nation when it comes to commercial solar energy use, according to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar Initiative advocacy group.



The study names the top 20 U.S. companies using solar on their facilities ranked by cumulative solar energy capacity. Retailers claimed the top five spots, with Walmart in the lead, followed by Costco Wholesale Corp. and Kohl’s Department Stores, Ikea and Macy’s. Also in the Top 20: Staples, Walgreens, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Toys “R” Us.



“These companies know that solar energy allows them to reliably manage their long-term energy costs and in turn also helps to keep their customer prices low,” said SEIA president and CEO Rhone Resch. “Solar helps these top American companies focus on their core business by reducing overhead costs.



Other retailers that are significant users of solar, according to the report, are J.C. Penny Co., Lord & Taylor, Stop and Shop, REI, and Tiffany & CO.

Combined, the Top 20 corporate solar users’ installations generate an estimated $47.3 million worth of electricity each year. Altogether, U.S. commercial solar installations have reduced business’ utility bills by hundreds of millions of dollars annually.



Here is the complete list of the Top 20 companies ranked by total installed solar capacity:



1. Walmart

2. Costco Wholesale Corp.

3. Kohl’s Department Stores

4. Ikea

5. Macy’s

6. McGraw Hill

7. Johnson & Johnson

8. Staples

9. Campbell’s Soup

10. Walgreens

11. Bed, Bath & Beyond

12. Toys “R” Us

13. General Motors

14. FedEx Corp.

15. White Rose Foods

16. Dow Jones & Company

17. Snyder’s

18. ProLogis

19. Hartz Mountain Industries

20. Crayola



See the full report.