Las Vegas — IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, has completed the solar installation atop its Las Vegas store, which will open on May 18, 2016. The project is the largest single-use retail rooftop solar array in Nevada.
The store’s 240,504-square-foot solar comprises a 1.14 MW system, built with 3,620 panels, and will produce approximately 1,750,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of reducing 1,207 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
For the development, design and installation of IKEA Las Vegas’ customized solar power system, IKEA selected Helix Electric, an award-winning electrical contractor and industry leader specializing in design-build and complex electrical projects in the U.S. for more than 30 years. R&O Construction is managing the site work and building of the actual store.
“Installing the solar panels is another exciting and sustainable step in the progress towards opening the future IKEA Las Vegas,” says Amy Jensen, store manager. “IKEA strives to create a sustainable life for communities where we operate, and IKEA Las Vegas is adding to this goal with Nevada’s largest single-use retail rooftop solar array.”
This array represents the 43rd solar project for IKEA in the U.S., contributing to the IKEA solar presence at nearly 90% of its U.S. locations, with a total generation goal of 40 MW. IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings — as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) — and globally has allocated more than $2 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2020, reinforcing its confidence and investment in solar photovoltaic technology. Consistent with the goal of being energy independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 700,000 solar panels across the world and owns approximately 157 wind turbines in Europe and Canada, with 104 more in the U.S.
Globally, IKEA evaluates locations regularly for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material; incorporating environmental measures into the actual buildings with energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water-conserving restrooms; and operationally, eliminating plastic bags from the checkout process, phasing-out the sale of incandescent light bulbs, facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs, and — as of 2016 — selling only LED bulbs. IKEA also has installed electric vehicle charging stations at 13 stores, with a rollout planned for more locations.
Under construction on 26 acres along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at Durango Drive, near Sunset Road, the 351,000-square-foot future IKEA Las Vegas, and 1,300 parking spaces, will open May 18, 2016.
There are currently more than 380 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 41 in the U.S. For more information, visit IKEA-USA.com.
SOURCE: IKEA