The world’s largest retailers continue to see the value of solar. IKEA announced that the solar installation is complete atop its Las Vegas store opening May 18, 2016. Once commissioned, the project will be the largest single-use retail rooftop solar array in Nevada.
The store’s 240,504-square-foot solar comprises a 1.14 MW system, built with 3,620 panels, and will produce approximately 1,750,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store.
For the development, design and installation of IKEA Las Vegas’ customized solar power system, IKEA selected Helix Electric, an award-winning electrical contractor and industry leader specializing in design-build and complex electrical projects in the U.S. for more than 30 years. R&O Construction is managing the site work and building of the actual store that will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.
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“Installing the solar panels is another exciting and sustainable step in the progress towards opening the future IKEA Las Vegas,” said Amy Jensen, store manager. “IKEA strives to create a sustainable life for communities where we operate, and IKEA Las Vegas is adding to this goal with Nevada’s largest single-use retail rooftop solar array.”
This array represents the 43rd solar project for IKEA in the U.S., contributing to the IKEA solar presence at nearly 90 percent of its U.S. locations, with a total generation goal of 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 has allocated more than $2 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 across the world and owns approximately 157 wind turbines in Europe and Canada, with 104 more in the U.S.
— Solar Builder magazine
[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/las-vegas-ikea-ready-to-open-with-1-mw-pv-system-on-roof/]
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