SolarCity workers install solar panels on a Walmart store in Mountain View, California

Walmart’s solar power initiative will total more than 130 stores by the end of 2013, adding hundreds of jobs through a partnership with California-based SolarCity while reducing expenses with renewable energy.

Said Kim Saylors-Laster, Walmart vice president of energy, “Walmart has reduced energy expenses by more than a million dollars through our solar program, allowing us to pass these savings on to our customers in the form of everyday low prices.”

When complete, Walmart’s total solar commitment in California is expected to:

• Generate up to 70 million kilowatt hours of clean, renewable energy per year, which is the equivalent of powering more than 5,400 homes*.

• Avoid producing more than 21,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, which is the equivalent of taking approximately 4,100 cars off the road*.

• Provide 20 to 30% of each facility’s total electric needs.

"These kinds of projects create jobs, reduce costs for businesses by lowering power bills, and protect the environment,” said Mary D. Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board. “We appreciate Walmart’s leadership and encourage other businesses to follow Walmart’s lead.”

Hundreds of Solar Jobs

Walmart’s investment in solar power is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs in California through its partnership with SolarCity, which will own, install and maintain the new solar power systems. The San Mateo, California-based company has added more than 500 new full-time jobs since it initiated its first Walmart solar project, and expects to hire hundreds more before the end of the year.

“Walmart has undertaken one of the most ambitious solar initiatives of any company in the U.S., and tripled the scale of its initial project with us,” added Lyndon Rive, SolarCity’s CEO. “Walmart is setting an example that far more companies in the U.S. can follow; it is possible for many businesses to pay less for solar power than they currently pay for electricity.”

Long known for its dedicated, some say ruthless, efforts to reduce costs, Walmart's belief in the cost benefits of employing renewable energy is highly likely to attract the attention of major companies across the United States.

“These projects are a win-win for the environment and our economy, and help move our country toward a cleaner energy future,” said Gwen Ruta, vice president for corporate partnerships at Environmental Defense Fund.

*According to the EPA calculator

©photo courtesy of SolarCity®

About SolarCity

SolarCity® is a national leader in solar power design, financing, installation, monitoring and energy efficiency services. The company was founded with the mission to help millions of homeowners and businesses adopt clean power, protect themselves from rising gas and electricity costs and protect their environment from polluting power sources. The company’s SolarLease® and Power Purchase Agreement options can make it possible for homeowners and businesses to switch to clean, solar power for less money than they currently pay for electricity. SolarCity’s 23 operations centers serve Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C.

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