Target Hits Bullseye As Top 2016 US Corporate Solar Installer

Target has hit a solar energy bullseye.

The Minneapolis-based retail giant topped all other American big businesses going solar, according to a new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

In the 2016 Solar Means Business report, Target knocked out former champion Walmart. It was a close race, though,with Target installing 147 MW and Walmart installing 145 MW.

Here’s how the top 10 companies broke out:

1. Target — 147 MW
2. Walmart — 145 MW
3. Prologis — 107.8 MW
4. Apple — 93.9 MW
5. Costco — 50.7 MW
6. Kohl’s — 50.2 MW
7. IKEA — 44 MW
8. Macy’s — 38.9 MW
9. General Growth Properties Inc. — 30.2 MW
10. Hartz Mountain Industries — 22.7 MW

To date, top US corporations have added nearly 1,100 MW of solar energy — in over 38 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC. In 2016 alone, US corporations have added 142 MW, more than all of 2015, which topped out at 129 MW.

“At Target, sustainability is a principle that drives the decisions we make across the company — from the products we make to the way we run our business,” said John Leisen, Target vice president of property management.

“We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in improving building efficiencies and reducing environmental impact. Our commitment to installing solar panels on 500 stores and distribution centers by 2020 is evidence of that progress,” Leisen added.

SEIA interim president Tom Kimbis suggested investment in solar energy is a reliable investment for big businesses as they look to diversify their portfolio.

“Investing in solar is a common-sense decision that pays dividends for both the environment and companies’ bottom lines and these leaders deserve a big round of applause,” Kimbis said.

It’s this type of investment which is helping to create thousands of new jobs while helping to offset 1.1 million tons of carbon emissions yearly, Kimbis added.

Corporations investing more in renewables are surely taking advantage of falling costs, but they are also mitigating future climate change risks, including all sorts of extreme weather. Expect corporate competition for a top solar installation ranking to become more fierce as many awake to the benefits of going solar.