Walmart Boosts Maryland Solar Energy With Announcement

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Maryland is set to get a little brighter in the energy arena, thanks to Walmart and SolarCity.

Last week, the leaders in retail and solar installation in America announced 10 solar installations were completed in the state at eight Walmart‘s and two Sam’s Club stores.

Engineers checking solar panels running via Shutterstock
Engineers checking solar panels running via Shutterstock

Around 4.1 million kWh of electricity will come from the new Maryland installations, enough to provide 5% to 20% of each store’s overall usage, the equivalent of powering 370 homes.

“In Maryland, we’ve set some of the most ambitious goals in the nation for advancing clean renewable energy and creating green jobs,” said Martin O’Malley, Governor of Maryland. “We’re helping businesses take advantage of solar incentives so they can save money while embracing the job-creating, planet-saving potential of our green economy. I commend the partnership between SolarCity and Walmart as a significant step forward toward a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

The new installations will help boost the state’s renewable energy standards goals, aiming to have 20% of its energy come from renewable resources by 2022.

“Walmart is a leader in clean energy here in Maryland and across the country,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCIty. “Walmart is setting an example for companies in Maryland to follow; it’s possible for many Maryland businesses to pay less for solar power than they currently pay for electricity.”

Meanwhile, the recent news comes just as President Obama recently announced his climate change plan, which called for increased renewable energy investments.

Walmart CEO Mike Duke has enthusiastically backed the plan;

“We applaud the President and his administration for their commitment to renewable energy and conservation. Investing in renewable energy and energy conservation are good for business, good for communities and good for the environment. When we use less energy, that’s less energy we have to buy, and that means less waste and more savings for our customers.”

Duke also noted Walmart has over 300 renewable energy projects in progress or now in operation. In recent months, the Walmart has increased their renewable energy presence in both Hawaii and Ohio, with big solar projects.


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Adam Johnston

is expected to complete the Professional Development Certificate in Renewable Energy from the University of Toronto by December 2017. Adam recently completed his Social Media Certificate from Algonquin College Continuing & Online Learning. Adam also graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a three-year B.A. combined major in Economics and Rhetoric, Writing & Communications in 2011. Adam owns a part-time tax preparation business. He also recently started up Salay Consulting and Social Media services, a part-time business which provides cleantech writing, analysis, and social media services. His eventual goal is to be a cleantech policy analyst. You can follow him on Twitter @adamjohnstonwpg or check out his business www.salayconsultiing.com.

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