Macy’s Inc. and SunPower Corp. are celebrating a decade-long partnership between the two companies that has resulted in SunPower systems installed at or planned for 71 Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s locations in 10 states, totaling approximately 39 MW. Fifty SunPower systems are operating to date, and the company is contracted to install its technology at 21 additional Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s facilities this year.
Macy’s commitment to solar power positioned the company in the top 10 of 2015’s U.S. corporate solar champions, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Including solar technology that was not installed by SunPower, solar arrays were installed on 78 Macy’s Inc. facilities by year-end 2015.
“We are so excited to partner with SunPower and join the fight against climate change,” says Chuck Abt, Macy’s senior vice president of operations and logistics. “Macy’s is dedicated to giving back to local communities, and through this partnership, we continue to make a meaningful difference in improving the environment. This solar technology partnership is a major component of our sustainable practice and, we are committed to improving our carbon footprint for years to come.”
Of the 21 SunPower systems planned for Macy’s facilities this year, 19 of them – or 13 MW – will use the SunPower Helix Roof product, a fully integrated rooftop solar solution for commercial customers.
“We are honored to work closely with Macy’s over the last decade and proud to have such a visionary solar power partner,” says Howard Wenger, SunPower president of business units. “Macy’s continues to demonstrate extraordinary leadership in sustainability and clean power for its business and the communities in which it operates.”
In addition to solar systems, SunPower is providing Macy’s with battery storage systems at three stores in Southern California. The energy storage technology is expected to help those locations further manage energy costs by offsetting demand charges incurred by commercial customers.
Macy’s is financing the majority of the SunPower solar power systems on its stores through power purchase agreements, which allows the retailer to buy power at competitive rates that act as a hedge against future utility rate increases, with no upfront capital cost. Macy’s does not own the renewable energy credits associated with most of the SunPower systems installed on its facilities.
