WASHINGTON — The Solar Energy Industries Association in Washington’s annual list of the top American businesses going solar puts retailer Target at the top of this year’s list.
It is the first time Target has ranked No. 1, displacing Wal-Mart, in the report’s five-year history. The association’s report also notes more American businesses are installing solar than ever before.
Target, with nearly 1,800 retail stores, has added more solar this year than any other U.S. retailer and now has 147.5 megawatts of installed solar capacity, the association said.
“At Target, sustainability is a principle that drives the decisions we make across the company — from the products we make to the way we run our business,” said John Leisen, vice president of property management at Target.
“We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made in improving building efficiencies and reducing environmental impact.”
Target’s plan is to install solar panels on 500 stores and distribution centers by 2020.
Other companies recognized for solar capacity and solar installations include Wal-Mart, Prologis, Apple, Costco, Kohl’s, IKEA, Macy’s General Growth Properties Inc. and Hartz Mountain Industries.
The association’s report tracks 1,100 MW of solar installations at America’s top companies, or enough electricity to power the equivalent of 193,000 homes every year.
In the first three quarters of 2016, the report found 142 MW of corporate solar was added in the U.S., more than was installed in all of 2015.
