J.C. Penney Company, Inc., Integrys Energy Services, Inc., and SunPower Corp. announced the installation of SunPower solar power systems on five JCPenney stores in New Jersey, totaling approximately 2 MW. The initiative is part of a total solar commitment by JCPenney to host 3.7 MW at the five New Jersey stores and four stores in California. In conjunction with the solar panel installations, JCPenney upgraded lighting components at each of the five stores to improve the stores’ energy efficiency. JCPenney anticipates that the solar power systems will generate the equivalent of 25% of each store’s total energy demand.
"JCPenney is piloting this project to explore how we can best support the development of clean energy technologies as part of our comprehensive social responsibility program," said Michael W. Taxter, Executive Vice President and Director of JCPenney stores. "Each new rooftop solar installation is a step in the right direction for addressing climate change and diversifying the energy supply. New Jersey’s progressive efforts to promote renewable energy, combined with SunPower’s high-efficiency technology and Integrys’ financing, worked together to make this project viable."
The systems installed on the nine stores vary in size from 259 to 602 kW. Each system is owned and operated by Integrys Energy Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc., under a SunPower Access™ power purchase agreement.
JCPenney is purchasing electricity from Integrys at rates competitively priced against standard utility rates, safeguarding the company against rising peak power prices. Integrys also owns the renewable energy credits associated with the systems.
"JCPenney should be commended for its forward thinking in supporting these energy projects," commented Joel Jansen, Managing Director of Energy Assets for Integrys. "Through its energy procurement choices, JCPenney has demonstrated its commitment to being an exceptional corporate citizen."
"SunPower Access is an easy, affordable way for leading companies to support solar power development and positively impact bottom line results," said SunPower Chief Executive Officer Tom Werner. "We congratulate JCPenney for its leadership and notable commitment to host solar power systems in two states."
