Wal-Mart and BP Solar announce Chino, CA solar power pilot project
Chino, CA, 29 May 2008
Source: BP Solar USA Press release
http://www.bp.com/genericarticle.do?categoryId=9019567&contentId=7045142
Wal-Mart, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) and BP Solar today announced the completion of a 591.6 kilowatt (kW) solar power system at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Chino, California. The system consists of over 3,400 modules and will provide approximately 18 percent of the store’s electricity. This store is part of Wal-Mart’s major purchase of solar power from BP Solar and other solar power providers for approximately 22 Wal-Mart stores, Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers in Hawaii and California. The stores included in the projects are expected to achieve immediate savings over their current utility rates upon day one of operation.
“We’re almost half-way through our commitment to supply Wal-Mart with over four megawatts of installed solar electricity,” said Geoff Slevin, vice president of sales and marketing for BP Solar. “We’re very proud to help Wal-Mart achieve its goal of being powered by renewable energy.” During 2007, BP Solar won a bid to develop 4.3 megawatts of solar energy systems for seven Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Clubs in California. Under the agreement, Wal-Mart will purchase all of the energy produced by the solar power systems and BP Solar will operate and maintain the systems.
“We are pleased to partner with BP Solar on this and other projects that contribute to Wal-Mart’s goal of sustainability,” said Kim Saylors-Laster, vice president of energy for Wal-Mart. “This is another example of Wal-Mart’s commitment to making decisions that are good for business and the environment. This project is bringing us one step closer towards our goal of being supplied 100 percent by renewable energy.” “The partnership between Wal-Mart and BP Solar will maximize the use of renewable energy by Wal-Mart’s Supercenter and is the model for other Chino businesses to follow,” said Chino Mayor Dennis R. Yates.