Ikea announced that the solar panel installation is complete atop its future Columbus store opening Summer 2017. The array is one of the largest solar rooftops in Ohio, just as is the Cincinnati-area one.
The Columbus store’s 213,000-square-foot solar array will consist of a 1.21 MW system, built with 3,546 panels, and will produce approximately 1,447,700 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of reducing 1,017 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) – equal to the emissions of 215 cars or providing electricity for 150 homes yearly.
For the development, design and installation of the new store’s solar power system, Ikea selected REC Solar, a national leader in solar electric design and installation with more than 550 systems built across the U.S. Pepper Construction is building the store that will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.
“Completing the solar installation is another exciting and sustainable step in the progress towards opening the future IKEA Columbus,” said David Garcia, store manager. “Ikea strives to create a sustainable life for communities where we operate, and Ikea Columbus is adding to this goal with one of Ohio’s largest rooftop solar arrays.”
This array represents the 46th solar project for Ikea in the U.S., contributing to the Ikea solar presence atop nearly 90 percent of its U.S. locations, with a total generation goal of more than 40 MW. Ikea owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings – as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) – and globally allocated $2.5 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2020, reinforcing its confidence and investment in solar photovoltaic technology. Consistent with the goal of being energy independent by 2020, Ikea has installed more than 700,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and owns approximately 300 wind turbines, including 104 in the U.S.
Ikea, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can do good business while minimizing impacts on the environment. Globally, Ikea evaluates locations regularly for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material; incorporating environmental measures into the actual buildings with energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water-conserving restroomms; and operationally, eliminating plastic bags from the check-out process, and selling only LED bulbs. Ikea has installed electric vehicle charging stations at 16 stores, with more locations planned, including 3 units at the future Columbus store.
