Wal-Mart Solar Panels

Wal-Mart has fought against negative press regarding its mega-retail stores, competitive practices and even the way it treats is employees.  However, one news story that doesn’t get a lot of press is Wal-Mart’s efforts to go green.  For the past 3 years, Walmart has quietly been working with Environmental Defense Fund to promote thin film solar technology.  Since 2007, the retailer has funded solar research and development to create thin film photovoltaic cells with real-world applications.

And Wal-Mart is starting with its own retail outlets. The new thin film solar panels have been installed in California, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.  Another 20-30 Walmart stores in Arizona and California are slated for solar panel installation, as the corporation aims to go 100% green.  The thin-film solar panels will be manufactured by First Solar and MiaSolé.

Solar panels are being installed at Walmart’s California and Arizona in locations in part because of ample sunshine, but also because these states offer generous solar incentives and rebates. Thin film solar panels have been chosen because they are less expensive than “regular” PV solar panels, since they require less silicon and other materials.  They are easy to install and maintain, and are usually more efficient (they convert more sunlight into solar electricity) than their bulky counterparts.

Installing Walmart solar panels

What to expect from thin film solar installed at Wal-Mart:

• New solar panels installed at the proposed Walmart locations in California and Arizona will generate more than 22.5 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity each year
• The solar panels will offset 20-30% of the energy requirements of each retail outlet store
• The environmental impact will be the equivalent of taking over 3,000 cars off the road

And its just the beginning of Walmart’s solar efforts, which will have an impact on the way all retailers do business.  Kim Saylors Laster, Walmart VP of Energy states:

“By leveraging our global scale to become a more efficient company, we are able to lower our expenses and help develop markets for new technologies. Developing and incorporating new renewable energy sources, like thin film, reduces energy price risk and aligns very well with our commitment to solving business challenges through technology.”

With over 8,000 stores in the U.S. alone, Walmart can definitely lead by example if it continues installing solar panels across its properties.

Walmart sustainability has its day in the sun

Mega-retailer Walmart has faced many issues over recent years, including claims that it unfairly paid its workers and didn’t provide decent health care benefits.  Yet, the retail giant is generating positive news lately, as well as its own electricity!

Can you believe that Walmart is a solar leader in California?

In 2009, Walmart completed three solar power projects, installing solar panels at various locations in California: Paramount (14501 Lakewood Blvd), Baldwin Park (3250 Big Dalton Ave.) and Highland (4210 East Highland Ave).

Looking forward to 2010, the corporation’s solar power initiative aims to double its generation of solar electricity, adding solar rooftop installations at 10-20 California locations.  The chair of the California Air Resources Board, Mary Nichols stated:

“Walmart’s effort to expand and accelerate its solar power initiative program here in California demonstrates their commitment to sustainability. These kinds of projects create green jobs, reduce costs for businesses by lowering power bills, and protect the environment.  We appreciate Walmart’s leadership and encourage other businesses to follow Walmart’s lead.”

That’s not the only Walmart sustainability news these days, either:

Solar rooftops coming to Walmart locations in California

Love Walmart, or hate it, its expanded solar initiative in California will have a big impact overall.  The following estimates have been provided:

• 32 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy per year will be generated– equivalent of powering more than 2,600 homes
• 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year will be saved – equivalent to taking about 2,000 cars off the road
• 20 to 30% of each facility’s total electric energy needs will be generated by Walmart’s solar rooftops in California.

Walmart is continuing to take steps towards more sustainable operations.  Eventually, its goal is to be 100% powered by renewable energy.  According to its VP and regional general manager, Kimberly Sentovich:

“Increasing the use of solar energy is a benefit for the environment and makes business sense, as well.”

Walmart’s sustainability commitment includes creating zero waste and selling products that sustain people and resources.  The corporation will achieve these goals by using sustainable sourcing practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, renewable energy and lifecycle management.

Who knew that Walmart could be a solar leader and sustainable company?  Years from now, the company’s reputation could be cited as a shining example for renewable energy and green jobs.

Could your corporation use a renewable “face lift?”  Perhaps its time to take a page from Walmart’s play book!