US pharmacy Walgreens has chosen SoCore Energy to install PV systems at 90 of its stores in Ohio. This new portfolio will have a capacity of 2MW and increase the number of arrays installed by Walgreens to 136; the first 53 in this next wave are due to be completed by November 11.
The individual systems are being leased for 10 years to Walgreens by SoCore, which will equip them with Power-One inverters and SolarWorld’s 240W crystalline silicon panels.
“Walgreens’ impressive sustainability efforts include this substantial commitment to solar power and on-site renewable energy,” said Pete Kadens, SoCore Energy’s president. “These projects are certainly indicative of Walgreens' intent to be one of the most environmentally considerate retailers in the world.”
The total cost of Walgreens’ new portfolio is US$15.1 million; much of this is being funded by SoCore itself, while the remainder is coming from a federal solar tax credit and a US$5.2 million loan from the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority. Akron-based FirstEnergy Solutions is partnering SoCore on the project.
“This effort is a testament to the support provided by the state of Ohio, which helped us seamlessly transition from concept to execution of this important effort. The state is truly laying the foundation for a solar energy ecosystem that will benefit residents for generations,” Kadens added.
