Walmart Signs 46 Solar Deals With C2 Energy Capital

C2 Energy Capital LLC has executed 46 power purchase agreements and leases with Walmart Inc. to provide solar power at the retailer’s operations in five states.

These agreements represent a tangible commitment by Walmart to achieve a goal of having 50% of its operations powered by renewable energy by 2025. The solar installations will produce more than 65,000,000 kWh of renewable energy annually, enough to power nearly 5,500 homes. The projects are expected to supply approximately 10%-60% of each store’s overall electricity use.

“Solar is a vital component of Walmart’s expanding renewable energy portfolio,” says Mark Vanderhelm, Walmart’s vice president of energy. “Walmart plans to tirelessly pursue renewable energy projects that are right for our customers, our business and the environment. These planned projects with C2 Energy Capital are moving us in the right direction toward our renewable energy goals.”

This deal comes one year after Walmart chose C2 Energy Capital to install 13 solar projects in South Carolina. The rooftop projects as part of this deal are all currently in operation, and a ground-mount project is under way at a Walmart distribution center in Laurens.

“Walmart is a seasoned expert at on-site solar generation, and they have high expectations for their vendor partners,” states Candice Michalowicz, co-founder and managing member of C2. “We are honored to be a part of their renewable energy program and the important steps they are taking that will benefit the local communities and the environment.”

Walmart has also issued its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance Report, which reveals the company’s 6.1% reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 annual greenhouse-gas emissions in 2017 compared with 2015.

Further, according to the report, as part of Walmart’s goal of being supplied by 50% renewable energy by 2025, 28% of Walmart’s electricity needs are supplied by renewable sources. This considers the combined contribution of the renewable energy credits and power generated from on-site and off-site projects, as well as renewable energy that Walmart receives from utility-owned renewable generation feeding into the grids where its sites are located.