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Home > BizTimes Daily > Archives > September 27, 2007
Kohl's to use solar energy to fuel its California stores
Published September 27, 2007 - BizTimes Daily
Kohl's Corp. flipped the switch on a rooftop solar energy system Wednesday at its store in Laguna Niguel, Calif., beginning the largest planned photovoltaic solar rollout in the nation to date.
Michael Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, joined Kohl's officials to launch the project.
Kohl's plans to build solar electric systems at 63 of its 80 California stores. When complete, Kohl's solar program will represent approximately 15 percent of California's photovoltaic installations to date.
Kohl's is working with the State of California to help meet the goals set by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Public Utility Commission. Under the 2007 California Solar Initiative (CSI) program, the state expects to build solar power systems totaling 3,000 MW of solar power by 2017.
"This marks another milestone in meeting California's commitment to lead the nation in producing and using clean renewable energy. Solar is an important part of California's goals in doing what is right for our businesses, citizens and the environment. I commend Kohl's for its leadership," Peevey said.
Once completed, Kohl's use of solar power will generate more than 35 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually, the equivalent of powering an estimated 3,087 California homes. Additionally, in the first full year of operation, Kohl's clean energy output will offset more than 28 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas directly linked to global climate change. Over the span of 20 years, Kohl's solar deployment will prevent in excess of 515 million pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
"Today's activation marks a significant milestone for Kohl's. Through our solar introduction, we're further extending our commitment to green power and making a significant contribution to California's renewable energy goals," said Ken Bonning, Kohl's executive vice president of logistics.
Kohl's rooftop solar photovoltaic systems are being built under an agreement with SunEdison, North America's largest solar energy services provider. Under the agreement, SunEdison manages the rooftop solar energy systems in exchange for Kohl's commitment to purchase energy from SunEdison. In total, more than 138,000 solar panels are expected to be used when Kohl's solar installations are complete in 2008.
Kohl's did not indicate if it planned to install solar systems in its stores in other states. A company spokeswoman did not return calls for comment.
