Will Walmart Going Green Mean New Green Jobs?
Last month BP Solar confirmed that it has been selected to provide photovoltaic solar power systems for Wal-Mart stores in California. This agreement will allow Walmart access to distributed renewable energy gnerated at each stores location mounted on the buildings roofs. This project and partnership will provide green jobs in the immediate future and is likely to expand to other Walmart locations.
Under a power purchase agreement (PPA) negotiated for the projects, BP solar will finance, install and maintain the systems and Wal-Mart will have immediate access to clean electricity with no up front capital cost to the retailer.
BP said it will initially focus on building 10 to 20 rooftop systems at Wal-Mart locations in California, and would work with the retailer to evaluate the potential for additional projects. BP expects to complete the first set of projects, totalling up to 10 megawatts of installed solar power, within about 18 months. In 2008, BP Solar completed construction on 4.1 megawatts of solar energy systems for seven Wal-Mart stores and Sam’s Clubs in California.
Under the PPA, Wal-Mart is purchasing all of the energy produced by the solar power systems and BP Solar will operate and maintain the systems. BP leverages both its own capital and also works closely with external finance partners to provide optimal value for its customers.
BP already guarantees its modules for 25 years and pioneered this offer within the solar industry in 1998.
About BP Solar
BP Solar, part of BP Alternative Energy, is a global company with about 2000 employees. BP Solar designs, manufactures and markets products which use the sun’s energy to generate electricity for use in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. With over 35 years of experience and installations in most countries, BP Solar is one of the world’s leading solar companies. BP is one of the world’s largest energy companies, with interests in more than 100 countries and over 96,000 employees.
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Posted by admin
on May 25 2009. Filed under Careers, Environmental, Green Career, Green Jobs, Solar Energy.
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“BP already guarantees its modules for 25 years and pioneered this offer within the solar industry in 1998.”
Are you referring to the module warranty or the PPA? I don’t think BP pioneered the PPA, but if I’m wrong let me know.
According to BP they pioneered the 25 year warranty.Of course this is from their press release
This is very impressive, if you look at Siemens business technology, saw a presentation last week and they are going beyond just solar panels, they have an integrative approach where they look at re-structuring the building to minimize heat escaping!
I wonder if Wal-Mart is specifying that the solar panels be manufactured in China?
Walmart needs to switch all of the heating and cooling to geothermal. If they are really serious about going green. The amount of fossil fuels used to heat and cool those Walmart (really warehouses) is disgusting.