February 6, 2007

Costco Expands Solar Energy System

Costco has installed its second solar-powered energy system at its Lake Elsinore, California warehouse. It used a turnkey solar system from SunEdison, which will produce 595 kW (DC) 496kW (AC) through the 45,000 square foot system.

The new system is expected to supply in excess of 725,000 kWh (AC) annually and to save more than $3.8 million in energy expenditures over the expected 25-year life of the system.

SunEdison built the system using Kyocera 200 Watt Modules, and a SatCon 500 KW inverter.

This is the latest in a long line of solar announcements from large retailers. Staples recently unveiled the largest solar power installation in New England at its 300,000-square-foot retail distribution center in Killingly, Connecticut. Wal-Mart is considering a possible solar installation on the order of 100 megawatts of power over the next five years. Tesco, the fourth-largest retail chain in the world, is installing a $13 million solar roof on its five-building, 820,400-square-foot distribution center under construction in Riverside, California.

ADVERTISERS

CUTTING COMPLIANCE COSTS-CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO?

Implement a cost effective compliance management program. Find out how. >>

ENTERPRISE EHS COMPLIANCE SOLUTION

Globally manage EHS initiatives - locally execute compliance programs. >>