IKEA has installed more than 700,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and owns approximately 300 wind turbines, including 104 in the U.S. Photos courtesy of IKEA.

May 9, 2017

IKEA recently announced plans to install solar on the roof of its Grand Prairie store, set to open this fall. The panels designed by SunPower will be installed this summer for what will be the fourth IKEA solar array in the state of Texas. 

The Netherlands-based home furnishings outlet follows Toyota and Fed Ex as the latest corporation to take advantage of North Texas’ ample sunshine. The Grand Prairie IKEA's 181,500-square-foot solar array will consist of a 1.25 MW system, built with 2,800 large format panels and will produce approximately 2,000,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of reducing 1,406 tons of carbon dioxide – equal to the emissions of 197 cars or providing electricity for 208 homes yearly.

“We are excited about furthering our sustainability commitment and a low-carbon society with solar panels on this Grand Prairie store,” said Lars Petersson, IKEA U.S. president. “IKEA has a mission to create a better everyday life for the many, and IKEA Grand Prairie can add to this goal while also keeping us the largest non-utility private solar owner in Texas.” 

IKEA solar panelsThis installation will represent the 48th solar project for IKEA in the United States, contributing to the IKEA solar presence atop nearly 90 percent of its U.S. locations, with a total generation of more than 42 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 $2.5 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 on buildings across the world and owns approximately 300 wind turbines, including 104 in the U.S. 

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can do good business while minimizing impacts on the environment. 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 check-out process and selling only LED bulbs. IKEA has installed electric vehicle charging stations at 16 stores, with more locations planned.

The 290,000-square-foot future IKEA Grand Prairie and its 1,100 parking spaces will be built on 30 acres along the eastern side of State Highway 161 and Mayfield Road, north of Interstate 20. The Grand Prairie store is the second North Texas location for the company, joining the Frisco store, which opened in 2005. A third DFW-location is planned in Fort Worth, scheduled to open summer 2019.

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