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IKEA plans to install a 1.14MW solar energy system atop its Las Vegas store opening Summer 2016. Panel installation will begin this winter, with completion expected in spring for what will be the largest single-use rooftop solar array by a retailer in the State of Nevada. The solar array is expected to produce approximately 1,750,000 kWh of clean electricity per year for the store, offsetting more than 1,200 tons of CO2 emissions.
“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with solar panels on the future Las Vegas store,” said Lars Petersson, IKEA U.S. president. “At IKEA, we have a mission to create a better everyday life for the many, and IKEA Las Vegas can add to this goal with Nevada’s largest rooftop solar array.”
The 351,000 square-foot future IKEA Las Vegas, and 1,300 parking spaces, currently is under construction on 26 acres along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at Durango Drive, near Sunset Road. The store’s 240,504-square-foot solar array will consist of a 1.14 MW system, built with 3,620 panels. IKEA selected Helix Electric to design, develop and install the solar system due to the electrical contractor’s 30-year experience in electrical projects. In addition, R&O Construction is managing the site work and building of the actual store that will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.
This installation will represent the 43rd solar project for IKEA in the United States, contributing to the IKEA solar presence atop nearly 90% of its U.S. locations, with a total generation goal of 40 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 $1.9 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2015, reinforcing its confidence and investment in solar PV technology. Consistent with the goal of being energy independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 700,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and owns approximately 300 wind turbines, including 104 in the U.S.