Bentonville, Arkansas: Walmart announced November 20 that the company will install up to 400 new solar projects at facilities across the nation over the next four years.
The projects are part of the company’s commitment to drive the production or procurement of seven billion kWh of renewable energy by the end of 2020 and its goal to be supplied by 100 percent renewable energy. Walmart selected proposals from two preferred solar energy providers, SolarCity and SunEdison, following an RFP process.
Working with numerous solar providers, Walmart has to date installed approximately 260 solar projects in the United States. Walmart’s commercial solar deployment is now 105 MW, more than double the capacity of the next largest business. The company reports that the projects have saved more than $5 million in energy expenses, demonstrating that Walmart can keep costs low for customers while reducing environmental impact.
The installations will vary in size, commensurate with the respective store or facility. It is expected that smaller systems will provide 10 to 20 percent of the facility’s electricity requirements and larger systems will provide 20 to 30 percent of the power needed by the facility.