Walmart to increase solar energy use in California
Email Bookmark Share
PrintWalMart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) announced plans to add solar panels on 10 to 20 additional WalMart facilities within the next 18 months in California. This plan will add to the 18 solar arrays currently installed at WalMart facilities in the state.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said about the plan, "This project is all about taking bold action so we can see solar panels on commercial rooftops all across California while putting people to work. Today’s action helps prove that even in an economic downturn, it is possible to get serious about clean, renewable energy."
This solar project plan is expected to create about 130 jobs, including engineering, design, and installer technician jobs. Smaller numbers of workers will be engaged during the periods leading up to and following peak construction.
When this project is completed, WalMart’s total solar installations in California are expected to:
- Generate up to 32 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy per year
- Avoid producing more than 22,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year
- Provide 20 to 30 percent of each location’s total electric energy needs.
