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Solar Energy Adoption Surges 183 Percent Among Top US Companies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Growth in solar energy has surged 183 percent among America's top companies in the four years since the first Solar Means Business report was published. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) study also reveals a 59 percent growth in solar installations since last year. Walmart, Kohl's, and Apple are among the top companies recognized for their significant solar capacity and installations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Solar installations have grown 59 percent since last year, reaching 1,686 systems totaling 907 MW of solar.
  • America's top corporate solar users have installed 142 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity at 348 locations, led by Walmart with 142 MW.
  • The Solar Means Business report names Kohl's, Apple, Macy's, Walgreens, Target, IKEA, Prologis, FedEx, Intel, General Motors, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, Bed Bath & Beyond, Safeway, Hartz Mountain, Staples, L'Oreal, Kaiser Permanente, and Toyota as top solar users.
  • Companies like Walmart, IKEA, and FedEx have made significant strides in solar adoption, demonstrating that solar energy is a cost-effective decision for businesses.
  • The report stresses that growth in corporate solar adoption is no longer limited to traditional solar markets, but is now a smart business decision wherever a company may be.
  • Solar energy can help reduce carbon emissions, with companies like FedEx averting over 4,600 metric tons of CO2 emissions in FY15.
  • Companies are prioritizing renewable energy options like solar power at their facilities, reducing their spending on traditional energy and their impact on climate change.

Statistics:

  • 183 percent growth in solar energy adoption among top US companies in four years.
  • 59 percent growth in solar installations since last year, reaching 1,686 systems totaling 907 MW of solar.
  • 142 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity installed at 348 locations by top corporate solar users.
  • 1,700 systems currently in operation, generating enough clean, reliable electricity to offset nearly 890,000 metric tons of harmful carbon emissions a year.
  • 4,600 metric tons of CO2 emissions avoided by FedEx in FY15.

Sources:

  • Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) report, "Solar Means Business: A Report on Solar Adoption by America's Major Employers" (2015)
  • Source: Solar Energy Industries Association (www.seia.org)
  • Report available online at: www.seia.org/sites/default/files/resources/KX84I2D13eSMB2015.pdf

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