Ikea Plans to Install Solar Panels

announced that it plans to install solar energy panels at its Paramus store.

The furniture company hopes to begin work in 2011, pending Building Department approval. According to a release from the company, the panels at a Paramus store and a Massachusettes location will be the company's two largest solar installations in the country.

The company predicts that it will reduce its carbon dioxide output by 1,072 tons per year because of the panels, equivalent to the emissions from 186 cars. The plan is to install 132,000 square feet of solar panels on the store's roof.

Ikea has contracted with REC Solar, a solar electric installation and design company with an office in Somerset.

 "This approach is consistent with our commitment to sustainable building practices and reducing our carbon footprint," said Mike Ward, Ikea's U.S. president. "We always are open to environmental technologies and are thrilled our evaluation deemed these projects feasible for Ikea."