Toys “R” Us announces rooftop solar installation at New Jersey DC

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us said Thursday it has completed a 5.38 megawatt rooftop solar power system at the company’s largest distribution center in Flanders, N.J.



The solar roof is estimated to offset 72% of the electrical needs for the Toys “R” Us facility, making it the largest operational rooftop solar installation in North America.



As part of the Power Purchase Agreement, Constellation Energy will designate 7,500 Green-e Certified renewable energy certificates per year for the next three years to Toys “R" Us Times Square, effectively offsetting 100% of the 7,064,800 kilowatt-hours of electricity typically needed to power the store.



“At Toys “R” Us, we continually look for ways to diversify our energy portfolio and incorporate sustainable initiatives throughout our operations,” said Jerry Storch, chairman and CEO. “This solar rooftop project would not have been possible without New Jersey’s ongoing support and shared commitment to clean energy opportunities for businesses.”



The solar power installation covers nearly 70% of the distribution center’s 1,281,000-sq.-ft. roof and consists of more than 37,000 ultra lightweight Uni-Solar brand photovoltaic solar panels, manufactured by United Solar, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices.



Depending on weather conditions, the system is expected to produce approximately 6,362,000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. Constellation Energy built, owns and maintains the Toys “R” Us rooftop solar power system. Toys “R” Us is purchasing the electricity generated by the system from Constellation Energy through a 20-year power purchase agreement. Constellation Energy retains the solar renewable energy credits.