IKEA Plugs-in Addition to Solar Installation at Detroit-Area Store in Canton, MI, Making Michigan’s Largest-Rooftop Array 25% Bigger

CANTON, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today officially
plugged-in an expanded solar energy array atop its Detroit-area store
that opened nine years ago in Canton, MI. The 40,000-square-foot solar
panel addition consists of a 242.1-kW system built with 781 panels, and
will produce 293,502 kWh more electricity annually for the store.

This solar expansion sits atop a 44,000-s.f. store extension completed
this past spring. Now, IKEA Canton’s total 1,219.7-kW solar installation
of 4,941 panels will generate 1,408,445 kWh of clean electricity yearly,
the equivalent of reducing 971 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂),
eliminating the emissions of 204 cars or powering 134 homes (calculating
clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).

“We are pleased our newly expanded store created the opportunity to
extend the rooftop solar array,” said Matt Hunsicker, store manager. “We
are proud to make this investment, to grow our local sustainable
footprint, and to contribute to the IKEA goal of energy independence.”

For the development, design and installation of this store’s enhanced
solar power system, IKEA selected Inovateus Solar LLC, an
industry-leading solar power distributor and integrator specializing in
large-scale solar installations.

Expanding this array contributes to the IKEA solar presence at nearly
90% of its U.S. locations with a total generation goal of 40 MW. IKEA
owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings
– as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) – and
globally has allocated $1.9 billion to invest in renewable energy
through 2015, reinforcing its confidence and investment in solar
photovoltaic technology. Consistent with the goal of being energy
independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 700,000 solar panels
on buildings across the world and owns approximately 300 wind turbines,
including 104 in the U.S. Other IKEA rooftop arrays have been expanded
too, when the store beneath was extended.

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, aims to
minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates locations
regularly for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative
materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources,
and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. efforts
include: recycling waste material; incorporating energy-efficient HVAC
and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in
warehouse areas, and water-conserving restrooms. Operationally, IKEA
does not use plastic bags in the check-out process, sells only L.E.D.
lighting products (fixtures, lamps and bulbs), and has installed EV
charging stations at 13 stores, with plans for more locations.

Located on approximately 30 acres along Ford Road off I-275 at Haggerty
Road, the 355,000-square-foot IKEA Canton opened in June 2006. In
addition to 10,000 exclusively designed items, the store presents 52
different room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised
children’s play area, and a 300-seat restaurant serving Swedish
specialties, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features
include a Children’s IKEA area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play
areas throughout the store, and preferred parking. IKEA also installed
Michigan’s largest solar array atop the roof of the store originally in
2012.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of
good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can
afford them. There are currently more than 370 IKEA stores in 47
countries, including 41 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability
into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children
and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com,
@IKEAUSA,
@IKEAUSANews,
or IKEAUSA on Facebook,
YouTube,
Instagram
and Pinterest.

Contacts

For IKEA
Amanda Preston
(734) 981-3026, x 1336