Retail giant Target announced it has completed its 500th rooftop solar installation. The company announced in 2015 that it wanted to add solar to 500 locations by 2020. Target reached its target ahead of schedule.
The company is a quarter of the way toward its goal of having 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 – a commitment made just last summer.
“At Target, we’re committed to making our operations even more sustainable to create a better future for our guests, team members and the planet,” said John Leisen, VP of Property Management for Target. “Ambitious energy goals have helped us accelerate our progress and reach major milestones. And we’ll continue to invest in technologies, partners and resources to help us achieve even more.”
Target’s 500th solar installation happened at its Napa, California, store. In total, the company has added more than 240 MW of solar across its buildings. On average, each Target installation offsets between 15 and 40% of the property’s energy needs.
“For years, Target has led the way on corporate solar adoption, helping to create a cultural shift in how top companies power their operations,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA. “Companies such as Target have the power to make lasting change and we’re thrilled to see Target double down on their commitment to solar energy.”
Over the past five years, Target has installed more solar systems than any other company, according to data from SEIA’s Solar Means Business report.
Interesting, ” On average, each Target installation offsets between 15 and 40% of the property’s energy needs.”
IF Target and the other large box stores adopted large scale energy storage on these 500 stores, could Target then be able to manage 30% to perhaps 60% of energy savings, due to the advantage of being able to store electricity in the so called “duck curve” till later in the day when demand charges spike electricity prices. With electric utilities bringing out “energy” programs like tiered electric rate structures, TOU rate spiking after the solar PV generation is rolling off from the 3 PM to 9 PM period. Generate, store, and apply the energy at a time when it is cost effective for the Store and not the utility.