Walmart to install 400 solar projects across US

PURSUING its initiative to adopt renewable energy, Walmart will install up to 400 new solar projects across the U.S. over the next four years. The announcement came after the release of the Solar Energy Industries Association’s commercial solar report. The report cited Walmart as having the most installed solar capacity in the U.S., according to Pam Kohn, executive vice president at Walmart and president of Walmart Realty.

The installations will vary in size depending on the store or facility. Smaller systems will support 10% to 20% of the facility’s electricity requirements, while larger systems will provide 20% to 30% of needed power. 

This project is part of the company’s goal to run on 100% renewable energy. It is also in alignment with its global commitment to have 7 billion kWh of renewable energy by the end of 2020. 

To facilitate the installations, Walmart undertook an RFP process and selected proposals from two solar energy providers, SolarCity and SunEdison. The former has worked with Walmart in installing more than 200 projects since 2010. SunEdison, meanwhile, is one of the company’s earliest solar providers,with projects dating as far back as 2007, said Katherine Jennrich, senior manager of energy services at Walmart. 

The firm has installed nearly 260 solar projects to date across the U.S., with commercial solar deployment reaching 105 MW. This is more than double the capacity of the next largest business and translates into over $5 million in energy expenses. The efforts represent that Walmart can keep costs low for customers and cut the environmental impact at the same time.

Vice president of energy Kim Saylors-Laster said the projects will help the company reach its goal of doubling the number of on-site solar energy projects in U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs, and distribution centers. These will help not only reduce energy expenses but will also generate clean energy in local communities. “This is the beginning of the next wave in renewable energy for Walmart, an effort we announced in May when we welcomed President Obama to our Mountain View California store,” said Ms Saylors-Laster.