PowerLight, a subsidiary of San Jose, Calif.-based SunPower Corp., has signed a contract with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to install solar electric power systems totaling 4.6 MW on seven Wal-Mart facilities in California. The installations are expected to provide an average of 25% of Wal-Mart's energy usage at each of the seven facilities, the companies say.
Wal-Mart will purchase solar-generated electricity under the SunPower Access program, which allows customers to purchase solar power under a highly flexible power purchase agreement as an alternative to an outright system purchase. At the end of Wal-Mart's multi-year agreement, the retailer will have the option to renew it, transfer the equipment to a new site or buy the system, the companies say.
‘Wal-Mart is committed to finding more ways to implement and utilize renewable energy sources in our stores, clubs and distribution centers,’ says Kim Saylors-Laster, Wal-Mart's vice president of energy. ‘Our solar power pilot project is a reflection of that commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Wal-Mart's operations.’
According to PowerLight, SunPower had previously installed solar power systems on three other Wal-Mart facilities.
