by Staff, Solar Builder Magazine | July 12, 2012

IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today officially plugged-in the solar energy system installed at its store in Tampa, Fla. The 148,700-sq-ft PV array consists of a 1,189-kW system, built with 4,956 panels. IKEA Tampa’s program will produce approximately 1,792,300 kWh of clean electricity annually, the equivalent of reducing 1,362 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the emissions of 242 cars or powering 154 homes yearly.

This investment by IKEA reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic (PV) technology. 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 this Tampa installation represents the 22nd completed solar energy project for IKEA in the United States, with 17 more locations underway, making the eventual U.S. solar presence of IKEA nearly 89 percent with a total generation of 38 MW.

For the development, design and installation of the Tampa store’s customized solar power system, IKEA contracted with REC Solar Inc., a national leader in solar electric system design and installation with more than 9,000 systems built across the United States.

“The installation of solar panels at IKEA Tampa is another way we can build upon our ongoing commitment to sustainability,” said Monica Varela, IKEA Tampa store manager. “At IKEA, we believe in being a good business while doing good business and investing in renewable energy accomplishes both of those goals. We appreciate the support of the City of Tampa, TECO, and REC Solar, Inc., our partners in this project.”