Wal-Mart installs pilot solar power system in US store

In the US, Wal-Mart and SunPower Corporation have announced the completion of a 554-kilowatt solar power system at the Wal-Mart store in Hanford, CA. The system is estimated to generate approximately 15% of the store's electricity. This Hanford store is part of a Wal-Mart pilot project to purchase solar power systems from SunPower and other solar providers for up to 22 Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Club locations and distribution centres in California and Hawaii. It is expected these solar power systems at Wal-Mart's facilities will replace 7,000 to 8,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year. The systems help move Wal-Mart towards its long-term goal to be supplied 100% by renewable energy, and will provide immediate cost savings over current utility rates. "This project helps move Wal-Mart forward in our commitment to conserve energy, reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions," said Kim Saylors-Laster, VP of Energy for Wal-Mart. "We are very pleased with SunPower's work on the Hanford solar project and on all of our facilities on which they are building solar power systems." The Hanford Wal-Mart store, as well as the nearby Wal-Mart distribution centre in Porterville, are two of eight Wal-Mart facilities in California to receive SunPower solar power systems, totalling 4.2 megawatts, by the end of this year. The other six Wal-Mart facilities in California included in the SunPower contract are located in Chino, Simi Valley, Brea, Orange and Lakewood and Palmdale.

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