IKEA, the world's leading home furnishings retailer, announced that the solar panel installation is complete atop its future Grand Prairie, TX store opening late Fall 2017 as the company's second Dallas-Fort Worth-area store. The array is the fourth IKEA solar array in the State of Texas. The Grand Prairie store's 181,500-square-foot solar array consists of a 1.25 MW system, built with 2,800 large format panels that will produce approximately 2,000,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of reducing 1,406 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) - equal to the emissions of 197 cars or providing electricity for 208 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator).
For the development, design and installation of the new store's solar power system, IKEA selected SunPower, one of the world's most innovative and sustainable energy companies providing complete solar solutions and services. MYCON Construction is building the store that reflects the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.
"Completing the solar installation is another exciting and sustainable step in the progress towards opening the future IKEA Grand Prairie," said Matt Hunsicker, store manager. "IKEA strives to create a sustainable life for communities where we operate, and IKEA Grand Prairie is adding to this goal with our fourth rooftop solar array in Texas."
This array represents the 47th solar project for IKEA in the U.S., contributing to the IKEA solar presence atop more than 90% of its U.S. locations, with a total generation goal of more than 44 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 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 30 stores, with more locations planned, including 3 units at the future Grand Prairie store.
The 290,000-square-foot future IKEA Grand Prairie and its 1,100 parking spaces is being built on 30 acres along the eastern side of State Highway 161 and Mayfield Road, north of Interstate-20. Until IKEA Grand Prairie opens as the state's fourth store, customers can shop at Collin County's IKEA Frisco or online at IKEA-USA.com. Other Texas IKEA stores are in Houston and Round Rock, with a San Antonio-area one planned to open Summer 2019 in Live Oak, and a Fort Worth store to open as the third DFW-area location, also in Summer 2019.
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 400 IKEA stores in 49 countries, including 44 in the U.S. IKEA has been ranked among "Best Companies to Work For" and, as further investment in its coworkers, has raised its own minimum wage twice in two years. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.
Contacts
IKEA
Joseph Roth, Expansion Public Affairs
(610) 834-0180, ext. 6500
