BJ’s Wholesale Club is adding solar photovoltaic installations to four more of its big-box wholesale outlets at no cost, through a power purchase agreement (PPA).
Previously, the retailer had 12 solar installations in six states.
Two of the new arrays will come in Massachusetts, to be completed in April, according to a press release.
The other two, scheduled for completion this summer, will be in New Jersey.
BJ’s Wholesale is working with Tioga Energy to install the solar arrays with no upfront cost under a PPA.
With the deal, the solar PPA will provide up to 22 percent of the locations’ annual electricity needs, at a negotiated rate that is lower than standard utility rates.
“With their large, flat roofs, big box stores lend themselves to solar power,” said Ian Bowles, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs for Massachusetts.
With all of its systems, BJ’s Wholesale will have more than 2,000 kilowatts of solar power capacity.
The Massachusetts installations will add 308 KW and 344 KW, respectively, while the New Jersey installations will add 409 KW and 500 KW.
Under the terms of the PPA, Tioga will be responsible for installation, monitoring and maintenance of the systems.
In 2007, BJ’s added solar at two Connecticut locations.
Other retail chains, including Wal-Mart and Shop-Rite, continue to ramp up their solar installations in order to reduce energy use and lower their carbon emissions.
