By Cameron Chai
Walmart, a retail chain store, has declared that it has partnered with SolarCity, a solar power system installer, to construct six solar projects at its retail stores in Colorado. The project marks the 100th solar power installation for the company in the US and brings it closer to its objective of utilizing 100% renewable energy across all its stores.
By 2020, Colorado expects to generate 30% power using renewable sources and these projects will help Colorado to achieve its aim. The 2 MW projects have been installed on three retail stores at Westminster, and one each at Lafayette, Lakewood and Highlands Ranch. The projects illustrate that even in huge flat-roof environment where snow and wind are prevalent, cost-effective solar systems can be installed.
Annually, about 3 million kWh of clean energy is anticipated to be produced in Colorado upon completion of these projects. This is equal to providing electricity to over 225 houses. The projects are also anticipated to remove over 5 million lbs of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
SolarCity will provide installation and maintenance services for all the six projects. The company has provided affordable, custom made solution for large rooftop installations to meet the climatic conditions of Colorado. Among the top 10 states in the country, Colorado is ranked fifth for solar capacity.
Walmart is using numerous technologies for renewable energy across the globe to meet its 100% renewable energy objective. Both the companies planned to install solar panels on 60 retail stores in California during September 2011, extending Walmart’s solar projects to over 75% of its retail stores in California.