On Tuesday, May 5, a Kansas IKEA debuts 'state's largest rooftop solar array'. According to IKEA, the Merriam store now boasts the "largest rooftop solar array" in the entire state of Kansas.
There are 2,394 panels on the store's roof, covering over 92,000 square feet and generating a projected 986,800 kilowatt-hours of solar energy each year. The volume of solar energy produced should reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 680 tons. Store manager Rob Parsons has stressed the importance of this kind of renewable energy.
"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." said Parsons.
IKEA, which is based in Sweden but has locations around the world, has been making the transition to solar energy in its stores. At this point, the furniture retailer has installed over 700,000 solar panels worldwide, and about 90 percent of the IKEA locations in the U.S. use solar energy.
The company's website affirms the "long-term commitment IKEA has to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology." PV technology refers to the process of using photovoltaic solar panels to convert sunlight into energy that can power a business or home.
IKEA plans to invest $1.8 billion in renewable energy projects in 2015. The company hopes to achieve overall energy independence by 2020, and it's clear that solar energy panels will play an important part in reaching this goal.
For more information about solar energy and how to finance PV panels for your own home, contact solar panel installer SolarMax Technology today!
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