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IKEA Kansas City-area store’s grand opening was accompanied the official plug-in of the state’s largest rooftop solar array. The 730kW solar system installed atop IKEA Merriam store comprised of 2,394 solar panels, covering 92,000 square-foot of space. It will generate power for the Swedish furniture store over the following years.
For the development, design and installation of the Kansas City-area store’s customized solar power system, IKEA contracted with Chicago-based SoCore Energy a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortune 500 company Edison International. SoCore is one of the largest commercial solar developers in the U.S. as well.
“Plugging-in this solar array is an exciting milestone to follow-up on our successful opening last fall,” said Rob Parsons, IKEA Merriam store manager. “IKEA strives to create a sustainable life for communities where we operate, so we are proud IKEA Merriam now has solar power for our electricity besides geothermal technology to heat and cool the building.”
This installation will represent the 41st solar project for IKEA in the U.S, contributing to the IKEA solar presence atop nearly 90% of its U.S. locations, and a total generation goal of 40 MW. IKEA owns and operates every PV system atop its buildings and globally has allocated US$1.8 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2015. The company commits reaching 100% energy independent by 2020.
The IKEA Merriam store represents the second U.S. store for IKEA with a geothermal component to its heating and cooling system. Incorporating geothermal and solar significantly reduces the energy IKEA Merriam will draw from the power grid.