SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Wal-Mart Stores said this week it plans to install solar panels on the roofs of up to 60 additional stores in California, boosting its solar portfolio to 130 stores, or approximately 75% of its locations in the state.
"California presents a great opportunity for Wal-Mart to make significant progress toward our sustainability goals by installing solar power to more than 130 store rooftops throughout the state," said Kim Saylors-Laster, vice president, energy.
She said Wal-Mart's solar program has already reduced energy expenses by more than $1 million.
When the 60 additional installations are completed, Wal-Mart said solar energy is expected to generate up to 70 million kilowatt hours per year — equivalent to powering more than 5,400 homes; to avoid producing more than 21,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year — equivalent to taking approximately 4,100 cars off the road; and to provide 20% to 30% of each facility's total electric needs.
