The 273,700-square-foot PV array consists of a 1,633-kW system, built with 6,664 panels. Ikea Round Rocks program will produce approximately 2,398,500 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 1,822 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 324 cars or powering 206 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).
This installation represents the 33rd completed solar project for IKEA in the U.S., with six more locations underway that will make the eventual U.S. solar presence of IKEA nearly 89% of its U.S. locations with a total generation of 38 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 590 million to invest in renewable energy, focusing on solar and wind during the coming three years. This investment reinforces the long-term commitment of Ikea to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology. More than 250,000 solar panels have been installed on Ikea stores and buildings across the world. The company also owns and/or operates approximately 110 wind turbines in Europe.
For the development, design and installation of the Round Rock stores 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.
We at Ikea believe in the never-ending job of improving the sustainability of our day-to-day business, said Gerd Diewald, store manager. The Round Rock coworkers are excited to help contribute to this goal with our newly operational solar energy system. We appreciate the support of the City of Round Rock, Oncor and REC Solar, Inc., our partners in this project.
