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Semiconductor industry

Solar Energy Adoption Surges Among America's Top Companies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Companies such as Walmart, Apple, and IKEA have driven a 183% increase in solar energy adoption among the country's top corporations since the first Solar Means Business report was published. The Solar Energy Industries Association's (SEIA) latest report highlights the significant growth in solar installations, with a 59% increase since last year. Walmart has topped the list for the fourth consecutive year, boasting 142 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity at 348 locations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Solar Means Business report highlights a 183% increase in solar energy adoption among America's top companies since the first report was published, with a 59% growth in solar installations since last year.
  • Walmart ranked No. 1 in the report for the fourth consecutive year, with 142 MW of solar PV capacity at 348 locations.
  • Other top companies recognized for both their amount of solar capacity and number of solar installations include Kohl's, Apple, Macy's, Walgreens, Target, IKEA, Prologis, FedEx, Intel, General Motors, Verizon, Johnson and Johnson, Bed Bath and Beyond, Safeway, Hartz Mountain, Staples, L'Oreal, Kaiser Permanente, and Toyota.
  • The report notes that growth in corporate solar adoption is no longer limited to traditional solar markets, but that "solar is a smart business decision wherever your business may be."
  • America's top corporate solar users installed 1,686 systems totaling 907 MW of solar.
  • Companies such as FedEx and L'Oreal have implemented significant solar capabilities, with FedEx's 2.7 MW solar array in Hagerstown, MD, offsetting 37% of their electricity demand.
  • Intel's director of Global Utilities and Infrastructure, Marty Sedler, stated that solar energy is an integral part of their renewable energy portfolio, providing leadership and helping to reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation.

Statistics:

  • 183% increase in solar energy adoption among America's top companies since the first Solar Means Business report was published.
  • 59% growth in solar installations since last year.
  • 142 MW of solar PV capacity at 348 locations for Walmart.
  • 907 MW of solar installed by America's top corporate solar users.
  • 1,686 systems installed by America's top corporate solar users.
  • 37% reduction in electricity demand offset by FedEx's 2.7 MW solar array in Hagerstown, MD.
  • 890,000 metric tons of harmful carbon emissions a year offset by the nearly 1,700 solar systems currently in operation.

Sources:

  • Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). (2015). Solar Means Business Report.
  • SEIA. (2015). Press Release: Solar Means Business Report.
  • Walmart. (2015). Walmart Commits to Doubling On-Site Solar Energy Projects by 2020.
  • Intel. (2015). Intel Commits to Renewable Energy.
  • FedEx. (2015). FedEx Commits to Renewable Energy.
  • L'Oreal USA. (2015). L'Oreal USA Commits to Sustainability.

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