The 40,000-square-foot solar addition will consist of a 240.9-kW system built with 765 panels, and will produce287,490 kWh more of electricity annually for the store.  Including the existing system, IKEA Canton’s total 1,218.5-kW solar installation of 4,925 panels will generate 1,426,490 kWh of clean electricity yearly, the equivalent of reducing 984 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂), eliminating the emissions of 207 cars or powering 135 homes.

For the development, design and installation of this store’s enhanced solar power system, IKEA selected Inovateus Solar LLC, an industry-leading solar power distributor and integrator specializing in large-scale solar installations. 

Track record

Expanding this array contributes to the IKEA solar presence of nearly 90% of its US 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 power purchase agreement – and globally has allocated $1.8 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2015, 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 on buildings across the world and owns approximately 157 wind turbines in Europe and Canada, with 104 more being built in the U.S.  Other IKEA arrays have been expanded as well.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to increase the amount of solar energy generated and used by this store,” said Matt Hunsicker, IKEA Canton store manager. “This is another example of the IKEA commitment to create a more sustainable life for communities where we operate.”