WAL-MART BUYS SOLAR

Taking solar retail.

Wal-Mart Will Test Using Solar in Stores; Starts Pilot Program to Test Use of Solar Power
May 7, 2007 (AP via Yahoo Finance)

WHO
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (Kim Saylors-Laster, vice president for energy), BP Solar, SunEdison LLC, and PowerLight (subsidiary of SunPower Corp.)

WHAT
A pilot program to test the viability of solar energy in its operations

WHEN
Announced May 7.

WHERE
22 locations (Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Club warehouse stores and a distribution center) in California and Hawaii; headquarters—Bentonville, Ark.;

WHY
- The corporation’s goal is use 100% renewable energy. It has two Supercenters designed 20% less energy consumption via the use of natural light, efficient heating and cooling systems and construction materials. It is stocking compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and similar “green/clean tech” items.
- SunEdison: 4 solar power systems in Hawaii, 4 in California; PowerLight and BP Solar: 7 each in California. Cost not announced. Electricity: 20 million kilowatt hours/year, the largest project of its kind; 30% of each stores’s power.
Renewable energy credits: Offsets 11,000 tons of CO2/year.
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QUOTES
- Saylors-Laster: We are taking aggressive steps toward our goal of being supplied by 100 percent renewable energy…The pilot project is yet another example of Wal-Mart's commitment to making decisions that are good for business and the environment."
- David Ozment, Wal-Mart energy director: "Pilot project stores are expected to achieve savings over their current utility rates immediately -- as soon as the first day of operation…"