LIHUE — The Lihue Walmart is a couple years ahead of the pace when it comes to complying with the green energy goals of the mega-retailer that is already the nation’s largest on-site solar generator. Walmart announced this month it
LIHUE — The Lihue Walmart is a couple years ahead of the pace when it comes to complying with the green energy goals of the mega-retailer that is already the nation’s largest on-site solar generator.
Walmart announced this month it would double the number of on-site solar energy projects at its stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, along with Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers. The global initiative is to produce or procure 7 billion kWh of renewable energy by the end of 2020.
“We know from experience that investing in energy innovation allows us to save money, reduce carbon pollution and create jobs.” said Bill Simon, president and CEO of Walmart U.S.
Walmart has eight solar power project installations in Hawaii that provide energy savings of 3,513,487 kWh/year. That is the equivalent of 325 homes that could be powered through annual energy savings.
The $570,150 roof mount photovoltaic system at the Lihue Walmart store was approved on July 24, 2012, and was operational just four months later. The contractor, Robert E. Hilbun, installed the 315 kilowatt SunEdison system that provides 400,000 kilowatt hours of solar electricity annually.
The zero-emission system is expected to displace 2,600 metric tons of C02 over a decade from not using fossil fuels in energy creation.
Lihue became the third Walmart in Hawaii to install a photovoltaic system in October 2012.
The lighter carbon footprint is not due to solar panels alone. The Lihue Walmart completed a renovation of the store in 2013, adding energy saving refrigerators and freezers to reduce energy consumption significantly.
The other Walmart stores in Hawaii with solar installations are Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Kahului, Pearl City, Mililani, Kapolei and Honolulu Sam’s Club.
