Wind Energy

IKEA Selects REC Solar Energy Solution for Locations in Germany and the US

In competition with more than 200 other solar system providers, REC Systems Germany GmbH was selected to provide systems solution for two installations in Germany. The 14,000 square meter (0.83 acres) installation, producing 449,000 kilowatt-hrs (kWh) on the rooftop of a store in Regensburg, Germany, was connected to the grid at the end of September. The 430kW installation will offset 398 tons of CO2 per year. A second rooftop installation covering 4,300 square meters (0.32 acres) producing 149,000 kWh was installed on a store in Freiburg, Germany and connected to the grid in December. The 150 kilowatt installation will offset 132 tons of CO2 per year.

"We will use the solar power produced for our lighting department, and furniture exhibition, as well as for the customer restaurant", says Michael Armin, Head, Expansion, IKEA Germany. Building on the success of earlier joint projects, Goldbeck Solar, a large construction company focusing on industrial rooftop and ground mounted PV installations, partnered with REC as sub-contractor on the German IKEA projects.

"REC is proud that IKEA selected our systems team to provide these installations, in addition to benefitting from our high performing modules with their excellent price performance ratio," said John Andersen Jr, Executive Vice President and Group COO, REC. The REC Systems team manages the development, design, installation and financing for larger scale rooftop and free field projects.

Currently, REC is also providing modules for three projects for IKEA in the U.S: two stores on the East Coast, and a Southern California distribution center that will be the second largest single-roof commercial system in the state. A Colorado site was also recently announced.

IKEA is committed to sustainable building practices that have a limited impact on the environment and is using solar to reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. TIME magazine listed IKEA as one of the top eight most global eco-conscious companies.

REC is a leading vertically integrated player in the solar energy industry. REC is among the world’s largest producers of polysilicon and wafers for solar applications, and a rapidly growing manufacturer of solar cells and modules. REC is also engaged in project development activities in selected PV segments. Founded in Norway, REC is an international solar company, employing around 4,100 people worldwide. REC had revenues of approximately EUR 1 billion in 2009.

www.recgroup.com