IKEA has officially plugged-in an expansion of the solar array completed last April atop its Perryville, Maryland distribution center, the state’s largest such solar energy system. Installation of the new panels began Fall 2013, and since then have nearly doubled the size of the original project to 4.9MW, which already was the state’s largest rooftop array.
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IKEA contracted with Inovateus Solar LLC for the development, design and installation of the Perryville distribution center’s original and expanded solar power system. The total 4.9 MW of rooftop PV array can generate enough amount of solar power that allows the facility to be almost energy-independent.
Last year, IKEA achieved its goal of completing solar installations atop nearly 90% of its U.S. buildings (39 out of 44 locations), with a generation goal of 38 MW. IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems – as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) – and globally has allocated $1.8 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2015. This investment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in PV technology. Consistent with the goal of being energy independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 550,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and owns/operates approximately 157 wind turbines in Europe and Canada.
“We are fortunate to have the roof spaces and corporate commitment to nearly double the energy being generated by this facility,” said Steffen Daab, distribution center manager. “We are proud to make this investment and to grow our local sustainable footprint.”