Walmart Will Deploy Solar Panels on 60 More Stores in California

A commitment to renewables like solar energy is working quite well for Walmart. The retailer has announced it plans to expand its renewable energy rooftop solar electricity program by additional solar panels to another 60 stores in the state of California.

Kim Saylors-Laster, energy vice president for the company, said Walmart has reduced its energy expenses by nearly a million dollars through its solar energy program.

In addition, she says the solar panel green energy program will avoid producing about 21,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Translated into petroleum calculations, this amount is roughly equivalent to eliminating 4,100 cars annually.

When completed, Walmart’s total solar commitment in California is expected to create about 70 million kWh of clean, renewable energy per year. That amount represents enough energy to power some 5,400 homes.

The amount of electrical energy provided by he solar panels is expected to meet 20 to 30 percent of each facility’s total electric needs.

“California presents a great opportunity for Walmart to make significant progress toward our sustainability goals by installing solar power on more than 130 store rooftops throughout the state,” said Kim Saylors-Laster in the press announcement. “Walmart has reduced energy expenses by more than a million dollars through our solar program, allowing us to pass these savings on to our customers in the form of everyday low prices.”

Photo: Walmart