Swedish Retailer IKEA to Install Tennessee’s Largest Solar Rooftop Array on Future Memphis Store Opening Late Fall 2016
MEMPHIS, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced
plans to install a solar energy system atop its Memphis store opening
late Fall 2016. Panel installation will begin this summer, with
completion expected in early Fall for what will be the largest rooftop
solar array in the State of Tennessee. The 271,000 square-foot future
IKEA Memphis, including approximately 800 parking spaces, will be built
on 35 acres in the Wolfchase Corridor along the southwestern side of
Interstate-40 near the Germantown Parkway exit. Until Fall 2016,
Memphis-area customers can shop at the closest IKEA stores: Atlanta, GA;
Frisco, TX; or St. Louis, MO; or online at IKEA-USA.com.
The store’s 250,675-square-foot solar array will consist of a 1.46 MW
system, built with 4,424 panels, and will produce approximately
2,000,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of
reducing 1,406 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) – equal to the
emissions of 297 cars or providing electricity for 205 homes yearly
(calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator).
For the development, design and installation of IKEA Memphis’ customized
solar power system, IKEA selected Hannah Solar, an Atlanta-based full
service, certified solar integrator dedicated to providing the very best
in engineering, products, installation and servicing of solar arrays.
Linkous Construction is managing the site work and building of the store
that will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA
stores are known worldwide.
“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with
solar panels on the future Memphis store,” said Lars Petersson, IKEA
U.S. president. “At IKEA, we have a mission to create a better everyday
life for the many, and IKEA Memphis can add to this goal with
Tennessee’s largest rooftop solar array.”
This installation will represent the 44th solar project for
IKEA in the United States, contributing to the IKEA solar presence atop
nearly 90% of its U.S. locations, with a total generation goal of more
than 40 MW. IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems
atop its buildings – as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase
agreement) – and globally allocated $2.5 billion to invest in renewable
energy through 2020, reinforcing its confidence and investment in solar
photovoltaic technology. Consistent with the goal of being energy
independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 700,000 solar panels
on buildings across the world and owns approximately 300 wind turbines,
including 104 in the U.S.
IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes
it can do good business while minimizing impacts on the environment.
Globally, IKEA evaluates locations regularly for conservation
opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design,
works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for
efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include:
recycling waste material; incorporating environmental measures into the
actual buildings with energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems,
recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and
water-conserving restrooms; and operationally, eliminating plastic bags
from the check-out process, and selling only LED bulbs. IKEA has
installed electric vehicle charging stations at 13 stores, with more
locations planned.
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of
good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can
afford them. There are currently more than 380 IKEA stores in 48
countries, including 42 in the U.S. IKEA has been ranked among “Best
Companies to Work For” and, as further investment in its coworkers, has
raised its own minimum wage twice in two years. IKEA incorporates
sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that
benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com,
@IKEAUSANews,
@IKEAUSA
or IKEAUSA on Facebook,
YouTube,
Instagram
and Pinterest.
Contacts
IKEA
Joseph Roth, Expansion Public Affairs
(610)
834-0180, ext. 6500
