More solar panels slated for IKEA stores

IKEA plans to install solar PV systems on six more of its locations in the Eastern United States, the company announced.

The installations are expected to begin in late spring with completion later this fall, provided the projects receive governmental permits.

The company recently plugged in a solar project in Colorado.

“We are excited to continue investing in renewable energy projects, reducing our carbon footprint, and improving the lives of the many people,” said Mike Ward, IKEA U.S. president.  “Adding solar energy to more U.S. locations is consistent with our commitment to sustainable building practices, so we are thrilled our evaluation determined these projects to be feasible for IKEA.  We are open to considering other opportunities and technologies too.”

IKEA will install panels at its Baltimore and College Park, Md., stores as well as atop the Cincinnati-area store in West Chester, Ohio. Similarly, the two Philadelphia-area IKEA stores – in Conshohocken,  and Philadelphia, – also will be receiving solar panels, as will be the IKEA North America Service Office – in Conshohocken.

Collectively, the six buildings will total 5.076 megawatts (MW) of solar generating capacity, more than 22,000 panels, and an annual output of 6.39 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually.