Wal-Mart completes solar project
19 Jan 2010
Wal-Mart has completed its largest solar power project at its distribution center in Apple Valley.
Wal-Mart's Apple Valley Distribution Centre solar project consists of more than 5,300 ground-mounted solar panels that cover a nearly seven-acre field and supply one megawatt (MW) power - the equivalent of powering 175 homes.
The Apple Valley Distribution Centre solar project is part of a solar power pilot project Wal-Mart first announced in May 2007 to purchase solar power systems for up to 22 Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Club locations and distribution centres in California and Hawaii.
In April 2009, Wal-Mart announced it was expanding its solar power initiative to nearly double its solar energy use in California, adding solar installations at 10 to 20 Walmart facilities over the next 18 months.
''The completion of the solar project at the Apple Valley Distribution Centrr marks another important step to achieve our goal of being supplied 100 per cent by renewable energy said Scott Kubicek, general manager of the Walmart distribution center in Apple Valley. ''Increasing the use of solar energy is a benefit for the environment and makes business sense.''
Walmart's ongoing commitment to renewable energy projects is helping the retailer build a more diversified energy portfolio and create more opportunities for advancements in clean energy through research and innovations.
