Ikea to Install Solar Panels

Conshohocken’s is one of six locations in the northeast that will receive new solar energy systems sometime next year, according to a press release from the furniture company.

“We are excited to continue investing in renewable energy projects, reducing our carbon footprint, and improving the lives of the many people,” Mike Ward, IKEA U.S. president said in a statement. “Adding solar energy to more U.S. locations is consistent with our commitment to sustainable building practices, so we are thrilled our evaluation determined these projects to be feasible for IKEA.”

According to the release, the solar systems being installed on the six stores will involved over 22,000 solar panels and will reduce 4,860 tons of carbon dioxide output from the stores. The Conshohocken store will receive 5,220 panels and is expected to reduce its carbon dioxide output by 1,088 tons, roughly the same amount generated by powering 120 homes.

The Conshohocken-based IKEA North American Service Office will also be receiving solar systems, the release says.

Depending on governmental permits, the company expects to begin the panel instillation in the spring of 2012, projecting the solar system to be in place by the fall. 

The full release can be viewed here.