IKEA Goes Solar in Burbank, Calif.

IKEA’s store in Burbank, Calif., is officially plugged-in to a solar energy system. The 35,000-square-foot array consists of a 290-kW system, built with approximately 1260 panels and is expected to produce approximately 421,300 kWh of electricity annually.

The retailer operates solar systems in Brooklyn, N.Y., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Tempe, Ariz. Plans are underway for additional programs at seven other IKEA locations in California, and two more on the East Coast. The retailer’s Denver-area store opening this year in Centennial, Colo., featured both a solar energy and geothermal system.

The home furnishings retailer contracted with Gloria Solar for the development, design and installation of this customized solar power system.

“We are thrilled at how this solar energy system furthers our sustainability commitment at IKEA Burbank,” says Jeff O’Shaughnessy, IKEA Burbank store manager. “We constantly ask ourselves how we can improve what we do today for a better tomorrow. We appreciate the support of the City of Burbank, BWP and Gloria Solar, our partners in this project.”