The 283kW DC solar power system at the Sam’s Club on Keeaumoku Street was financed, constructed and will be maintained for Wal-Mart by SunEdison under a solar power services agreement.
This rooftop system is part of a major purchase of solar power services from SunEdison and other solar power providers for approximately 22 Wal-Mart stores, Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers in Hawaii and California.
During the first full year of production, the rooftop system will produce more than 444,000kWh of solar electricity. Over 10 years, the zero-emission system will produce 4,248,000kWh of electricity and avoid the release of over 7.3 million pounds of greenhouse gases.
Wal-Mart is currently testing renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power generation in its experimental stores in McKinney, Texas and Aurora, Colorado. Along with the learning from these stores, the company will use the results of the pilot project and its solar power purchase to explore additional ways to achieve its renewable energy goals and determine how to move forward with solar power generation at additional Wal-Mart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and distribution centers.
Brian Halsey, market manager for Wal-Mart in Hawaii, said: We are committed to making decisions that are good for business and the environment. We’re pleased with the progress and excited about this important step towards our goal of being supplied 100% by renewable energy.
Thomas Rainwater, CEO of SunEdison, said: Wal-Mart’s decision to use renewable energy proves zero-emission solutions are viable right now, and that solar power is clearly part of the energy mix. We at SunEdison are here for the long term, to support Wal-Mart in reducing its electric bills and helping lower greenhouse gas emissions immediately and for decades to come.
