America’s largest companies are embracing solar technology in a big way. As of the middle of 2013, there were nearly 33,000 commercial buildings in the US deploying solar technology totaling more than 3 gigawatts of generating capacity. This represents an amazing 40% increase over last year.
The country’s largest retailer and largest employer, Walmart is also the leading installer of solar power with panels atop 215 of its stores. Furthermore, the company has decided to increase its clean energy projects by six-fold as part of a plan to become 100% supplied by renewable energy by 2020.
According to the annual Solar Means Business Report, the top 25 solar installing companies have already deployed half a gigawatt of solar capacity for the year, which is a 48% increase over last year. Apart from Walmart, other household names at the top of the list include Costco, Kohl’s, Apple, IKEA and Macy’s. In fact, Apple has committed to power all of its massive data centers with 100% clean energy.
Public opinion surveys say that 9 out of 10 Americans want to see greater use of solar power. Our leading companies are taking that quite seriously by playing a growing role in the development, expansion and promotion of solar technology.
Solar system prices have dropped more than 40% over the past two years. As a result, companies deploying solar energy are reducing their operating expenses while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating the economy. Solar power is increasingly a win-win for everyone.
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Web Links
Solar Means Business 2013: Top U.S. Commercial Solar Users
Photo, taken on September 16, 2010, courtesy of Walmart Corporate via Flickr.
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Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.