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Walmart to deploy 20-30 thin film solar arrays

Most of the new solar projects will use thin-film technology, like these panels on Walmart's store in Mountain View, California

Retail giant Walmart is expanding its renewable energy deployments with plans to install clean energy facilities at 20 to 30 sites in California and Arizona.

The company revealed yesterday that most of the sites would feature thin-film solar photovoltaic technology.

The installations should provide 20-30% of the energy needs for each location, with the whole program expected to generate up to 22.5 million kilowatt-hours of power each year, enough electricity for more than 1,750 homes.

Kim Saylors-Laster, Walmart vice president of energy, said Walmart could leverage its global scale to lower its expenses in becoming more energy efficient, while helping develop new markets for renewable energy technology.

“Developing and incorporating new renewable energy sources, like thin film, reduces energy price risk and aligns very well with our commitment to solving business challenges through technology,” said Ms Saylors-Laster.

Walmart already has 31 solar installations at its locations in California and Hawaii.

Technology

The new projects are set to make use of both copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar panels or cadmium telluride thin film technology.

California firm SolarCity will design, install, own and maintain the new solar power systems, after winning through a Request For Proposals process, on which green group Environmental Defense Fund assisted Walmart.

“Thanks in part to the economies of scale created by pioneers like Walmart, it’s now possible for many American businesses and homeowners to adopt solar power and pay less than they currently pay for electricity from polluting sources,” said Lyndon Rive, SolarCity’s CEO.

“This project was made possible in part by financing from PG&E Corporation and National Bank of Arizona, as well as incentives from the APS Renewable Energy Incentive Program and the California Solar Initiative.”