Environmental Leader

Kohl’s Department Stores plans to convert more than 50 of its existing stores in New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland to solar power. That represents nearly 80 percent of its locations in these three states. The work began in January. When it’s complete, Kohl’s says it will be the largest retail host of solar power.

Kohl’s also has converted more than 25 of its 88 California locations to solar power and plans to activate about 50 more sites in the state. Solar installations are under way at three Kohl’s locations in Wisconsin and the company hopes to add other states to its solar program before year-end. On average, solar panels provide 30 percent of a stores’ annual energy.

In April 2007, Kohl’s made the largest commitment to solar energy in U.S. history.

Kohl’s was the thirteenth largest corporate purchaser of green power in the U.S., according to the US EPA.

The company has also plans to pursue LEED certification for every store to break ground in 2008 — or more than 80 locations.

Safeway recently announced new solar installations. Here’s a rundown on other solar installations within the retail space. New financing models are prompting more retailers to take the solar plunge

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