Walmart Selcts SolarCity, SunEdison For Installation Of New Solar Projects

Walmart today announced the company will install up to 400 new solar projects at facilities across the nation over the next four years. This advances the company's global commitment to drive the production or procurement of seven billion kWh of renewable energy by the end of 2020 and its goal to be supplied by 100 percent renewable energy. To facilitate these installations, Walmart selected proposals from two preferred solar energy providers, SolarCity and SunEdison, following an RFP process. “We are pleased to announce this expansion on the heels of the Solar Energy Industries Association's commercial solar report, which recognizes Walmart as having the most installed solar capacity in the U.S.,” said Pam Kohn, executive vice president at Walmart and president of Walmart Realty. Working with numerous solar providers, Walmart has installed approximately 260 solar projects to date in the United States. Walmart's commercial solar deployment is now 105 MW, more than double the capacity of the next largest business. This has saved more than $5 million in energy expenses, demonstrating that Walmart can keep costs low for customers while reducing environmental impact. “This is the beginning of the next wave in renewable energy for Walmart, an effort we announced in May when we welcomed President Obama to our Mountain View California store,” said Kim Saylors-Laster, vice president of energy at Walmart. “These projects bring us closer to fulfilling our commitment to double the number of on-site solar energy projects in U.S. stores, Sam's Clubs and distribution centers—thereby reducing our energy expenses and generating clean energy in local communities.” The installations will vary in size, commensurate with the respective store or facility. It is expected that smaller systems will provide 10 to 20 percent of the facility's electricity requirements and larger systems will provide 20 to 30 percent of the power needed by the facility. “SunEdison is one of Walmart's earliest solar providers with projects dating back to 2007,” said Katherine Jennrich, senior manager of energy services at Walmart. “And, SolarCity has been Walmart's largest solar provider, installing more than 200 projects together since 2010. We are excited to expand our work with both providers.”