Walmart says it will expand its renewable energy efforts primarily through the use of thin-film solar technology at 20 to 30 sites in California and Arizona.
When complete, the projects are expected to supply up to 20% to 30% of the total energy needs for each location and produce up to 22.5 million kWh of energy per year.
The Walmart projects will use copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film modules. The company says its large-scale on-site installation of CIGS could help further the development of this technology and bring it to market faster, while its use of CdTe could help make the case for other businesses to adopt the technology for on-site commercial use.
SolarCity, which will design, install, own and maintain the new solar power systems on Walmart locations, was selected through an request for proposals process spearheaded by Walmart and the national environmental group Environmental Defense Fund.
SOURCE: Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
