IKEA to Install Solar at Two More Sites

Collectively, the two distribution centers will total 4.92 MW of solar generating capacity, more than 34,000 panels, and an annual output of 5,933,200 kWh of electricity — the equivalent to reducing 4,509 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) — equal to eliminating the emissions of 802 cars or providing electricity for 510 homes yearly.

This investment by IKEA reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in PV technology. IKEA will own and operate each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings — as opposed to a solar lease or PPA — now including these two distribution centers:

— Perryville, MD – opened in 2002; distribution center size: 1,700,000 SF, 278 acres SOLAR PLAN: 800,000 SF at 2,669.1 kW; 18,535 panels generating 3,283,000 kWh/yr

— Westampton, NJ – opened in 1992; distribution center size: 1,200,000 SF, 63 acres SOLAR PLAN: 562,000 SF at 2,247.7 kW; 15,609 panels generating 2,650,200 kWh/yr

IKEA already has 17 U.S. solar energy systems operational with 20 more underway. Installing panels atop these two additional locations will increase the company’s U.S. solar presence to nearly 89 percent and will result in a total generating capacity of 38 MW in the United States.

“We are excited at the opportunity to increase our U.S. solar presence further with solar energy systems atop these two east coast distribution centers,” said Mike Ward, IKEA U.S. president.

“With only 44 locations nationwide, we try to contribute whenever and wherever possible to creating a better everyday life for the many. These plans for installing solar panels on the roofs of two additional distribution centers demonstrate that our sustainable commitment extends beyond just stores, into all facets of the retail operations.”

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and reflects a business and operating model designed to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates locations for energy conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works with Global Forest Watch to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material (paper, wood, plastic, etc.); incorporating environmental measures into the construction of buildings, such as energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water conserving restrooms; and operationally, eliminating plastic bags from the check-out process, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs. In addition to this solar power initiative, IKEA also already installing EV charging stations at nine western U.S. stores.

For both projects, IKEA contracted with Inovateus Solar LLC, an industry-leading solar power distributor and integrator specializing in large-scale solar installations for businesses, universities, utilities and government entities. Headquartered in South Bend, IN and recently voted one of Indiana’s Top Companies to Watch, Inovateus Solar has completed some of the largest solar installations across the United States. With a strong focus on electrical engineering and construction management, Inovateus Solar increased its portfolio of projects on large distribution centers in the commercial sector by nearly 50 percent in the past year.