IKEA has completed the installation of its new solar energy system on June 27, which is said to produce approximately 1,421,500 kWh of clean electricity annually for the the 309,000-square-foot store, the home furnishings retailer announced.
The amount of clean electricity generated by the new system is the equivalent of reducing 1,080 tons of carbon dioxide, eliminating the emissions of 192 cars or powering 122 homes yearly.
The company first announced its plan to install solar energy panels in December 2011. Orlando IKEA’s instillation represents the 18th completed solar energy project for IKEA in the U.S., with 21 more locations underway.
IKEA owns and operates the solar photovoltaic energy systems and contracted with REC Solar Inc. for the development, design and installation of the Orlando store’s customized solar power system.
“The IKEA coworkers in Orlando are excited to help contribute to this goal with our newly operational solar energy system. We appreciate the support of the City of Orlando, Progress Energy and REC Solar, Inc.，our partners in this project,” said Julie Mott, IKEA Orlando store manager.
Orlando IKEA opened in 2007 and sits on 22 acres at Conroy Road near Mall at Millenia.