Wal-Mart Launching Solar Power Pilot Program
By Jeff McIntire-Strasburg
Back in December, the word leaked out that mega-retailer Wal-Mart had issued a “request for proposals” (RFP) on adding solar arrays to selected stores. When I interviewed Andy Ruben, the company’s vice-president for sustainability, the company was still quiet about this program.
Today, the cat’s officially out of the bag: Wal-Mart announced that it would purchasing solar power from “BP Solar, SunEdison LLC, and PowerLight, a subsidiary of SunPower Corporation, for 22 combined Wal-Mart stores, Sam’s Clubs and a distribution center in Hawaii and California.”
Keep in mind that this is just a pilot program — the company wants to explore the viability of using solar power in order to meet its long-term goal of being 100% powered by renewable energy. Furthermore, the company won’t be buying solar arrays, but will enter into power purchase agreements with these companies: the contractors will install the solar arrays on Wal-Mart stores, and the company will buy the power generated by those arrays. With this model, which is also being used by GM and Whole Foods, the company avoids the massive investment in new equipment. What is unique about Wal-Mart’s arrangement with these companies is that the retailer will also take ownership of renewable energy credits created by the power produced.
The company estimates that the solar power installations will provide up to 30% of the energy needed at the store at which its installed. Wal-Mart also claims that this move should result in greenhouse gas emissions savings of 6,500-10,000 metric tons per year.
Those savings are impressive, no doubt, and we hope that Wal-Mart’s pilot is successful enough to install solar panels on other stores. The educational value of each of these installations may prove an even bigger benefit, as many Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club shoppers will get a closer look at the benefits of solar power each time they shop. No word on whether the company will actively promote the use of solar energy to shoppers at these stores, but let’s hope so
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