Walmart to Add Largest Solar Energy Project in Puerto Rico

Helping the giant retailer meet its commitment of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy, Walmart Puerto Rico and SunEdison are partnering on the largest solar energy project in Puerto Rico. The two companies plan to deploy rooftop solar systems on five Walmart PR stores, which are expected to deliver about 25 to 35 percent of each store’s energy needs. The pilot project has the potential to expand to 23 stores over five years.

Although each solar power-generating system installed may vary, construction on the first 895-kW rooftop system at Walmart Supercenter Caguas is scheduled to begin by the end of 2009. Under a solar power services agreement with Walmart, SunEdison will finance, own, build and operate the photovoltaic solar energy systems. During the 15-year contract, the zero-emission systems are projected to produce 90-million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity.

Two Sam’s Club locations and three Wal-Mart Supercenters are participating.

• Sam’s Club Rexville: 795 kW
• Sam’s Club Ponce: 936.44 kW
• Wal-Mart Super Center Ponce Baramaya: 1239.84 kW
• Wal-Mart Super Center Manati: 854.44 kW
• Wal-Mart Super Center Caguas: 895.44 kW

This latest project contributes to Wal-Mart’s goal to double the amount of solar power it uses over the next 18 months. In April, Wal-Mart installed solar at 18 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores, along with two warehouses in California and Hawaii. It also has rooftop installations underway at 10 to 20 stores and distribution centers in California.