Ikea U.S. has completed the installation of Illinois’ largest solar rooftop on the Midwest distribution center the company is building in Joliet.
The 268,920-square-foot Joliet solar array consists of a 2.85-megawatt system, built with 9,036 panels. It will produce approximately 3.3 million kilowatts of electricity annually for the facility, he equivalent of reducing 2,513 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equal to those generated by 538 cars, according to the company.
Under construction on 72 acres at the Laraway Crossings Business Park, the 1.25-million-square-foot Joliet facility will provide the Ikea distribution network with a central location allowing it to receive goods from both Asia and Europe.
“Investing in sustainable solutions is a vital part of our business model,” said Lars Petersson, Ikea U.S. president. “Ikea aims to create a sustainable life for communities where we are located, and the Joliet distribution center is a shining example of that goal.”