Ikea supersizes solar power for Kansas-area store

Ikea plans to install the largest rooftop solar panel system in Kansas on its future Merriam location, set to open in the fall.

Pending permits, rooftop panel installation will begin next month at the store, located eight miles southwest of Kansas City. The 92,000-square-foot solar array will have 2,850 panels and will produce approximately 1.35 million kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent to reducing 930 tons of carbon dioxide - equal to the emissions of 196 cars.

Ikea Merriam will also be the second U.S. store for Ikea with a geothermal component to its heating and cooling system. The Denver-area Ikea Centennial opened with geothermal in 2011.

“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment with solar panels,” said Rob Parsons, Ikea Merriam store manager. “Solar energy will reduce greatly the new store’s energy needs and carbon footprint.”

This installation will represent the 41st solar project for Ikea in the U.S, with solar panels on nearly 90% of its U.S. locations. The company wants to be energy independent by 2020.

Source: Home Textiles Today