Project Focus: BJ’s Wholesale Club installs four PV systems with Tioga Energy, Spire

BJ's Wholesale Club is installing four solar photovoltaic systems through a partnership with Tioga Energy, who will also assist in the financing and installation of the systems through a PPA. The first two rooftop systems, currently under construction at clubs in Leominster and South Attleboro, Mass., are scheduled for completion May 2010, with two additional projects in New Jersey to be completed in the summer.

"Since the 90's BJ's has taken the smart business strategy of lowering electricity costs through solar power and energy efficiency measures," said Kevin Moran, manager of energy at BJ's Wholesale Club. "With Tioga Energy as a partner, we are able to take our commitment to solar to the next level, while managing first-cost installation hurdles and providing a hedge against future rate increases."

"With their large, flat roofs, big box stores lend themselves to solar power," said Ian Bowles, secretary of energy and environmental affairs for Massachusetts. "I applaud BJ's and Tioga Energy for stepping up the plate and taking on a leadership role in putting clean, renewable power to work in these stores -- reducing their use of electricity from fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to Massachusetts's clean energy future."

BJ's Leominster and South Attleboro installations will be 308kW and 344kW, respectively with the New Jersey installations providing 409kW and 500kW. Under the terms of the PPA, BJ's Wholesale Club pays only for the electricity produced by the systems, while Tioga is responsible for installation, monitoring and maintenance. Spire is the construction partner for the solar installations.