The 86,800-square-foot PV array consists of a 694-kW system, built with 2,884 panels. Ikea Pittsburgh's program will produce approximately 852,200 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 648 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 115 cars or powering 73 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).
This investment by Ikea reinforces the company's long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology. Since 2000, Ikea Pittsburgh hosted a 31kW PPA (power purchase agreement) array that was removed to facilitate installation of the new system, owned and operated by Ikea. Including this system now operational at Ikea Pittsburgh, there are 22 completed solar energy projects for Ikea in the United States, with 17 more locations underway, making the eventual U.S. solar presence of Ikea nearly 89% with a total generation of 38 MW.
For the development, design and installation of the Pittsburgh store's customized solar power system, Ikea contracted with REC Solar, Inc., a national leader in solar electric system design and installation with more than 8,000 systems built across the U.S.
"Our mission is to create a better everyday life for the many people, and at Ikea Pittsburgh, we just added to this effort," said Terri Noble, store manager. "This solar energy system will help reduce the store's carbon footprint and represents another investment toward our future in this community. We appreciate the support of the Robinson Township, PECO and REC Solar, Inc., our partners in this project."
