Walmart Goes Solar in California

Walmart Stores Inc. (Bentonville, Ark.) and SunPower Corp. have completed a 554-kilowatt solar power system at the Walmart store in Hanford, Calif. The system is estimated to generate approximately 15 percent of the store's electricity.
The Hanford store is part of a Walmart pilot project to purchase solar power systems from SunPower and other solar providers for up to 22 Walmart stores, Sam's Club locations and distribution centers in California and Hawaii.
The company expects these solar power systems will replace 7000 to 8000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year and will provide immediate cost savings over current utility rates. Walmart will track the results of the solar power pilot project to explore additional ways to achieve its renewable energy goals and to determine how to move forward with solar power generation at additional locations.
“This project helps move Walmart forward in its commitment to conserve energy, reduce energy costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” says Kim Saylors-Laster, vp of energy for Walmart Stores, Inc.
The Hanford Walmart store, as well as the nearby distribution center in Porterville, is two of eight Walmart facilities in California to receive SunPower solar power systems. The other six facilities included in the contract are located in Chino, Simi Valley, Brea, Orange and Lakewood and Palmdale.
“Companies like Walmart are turning to solar power because it makes good business sense and supports their environmental initiatives,” says Tom Werner, ceo of SunPower Corp.