IKEA and McDonald's Going Green and Solar in California

Solar panels and power continue to be all the rage in the business sector.  It is one of the easier and more economical methods for a corporation to go green and begin saving some additional money.

Now with IKEA installing solar panels at all 8 CA locations and McDonald's beginning their first test it is really good to hear and know large corporations continue to drive this technology and the importance of sustainability.

Here are some more details from Environmental Leader:

Bolstering California's credibility as a leading state in solar power, IKEA has plans to install solar energy panels on eight of its California locations, while McDonald's has installed solar panels at its restaurant in Riverside as part of its quest for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

IKEA's eight buildings - seven stores and one distribution center - comprise nearly 90 percent of IKEA's facilities in California, and the solar power installations will produce 4.5 megawatts (MW) of capacity. Together, the solar installations will generate an annual output of 6.65 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. This is equivalent to reducing 5,268 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), says IKEA.

The installation, comprised of nearly 20,000 panels, is expected to start in late Fall, with completion expected in early 2011.

The home furnishings retailer will install panels at its three stores in Northern California (East Palo Alto, Emeryville and West Sacramento), four stores in southern California (Burbank, Costa Mesa, Covina and San Diego) and at its distribution center in Tejon - claimed as one of the top ten largest rooftop commercial systems in the U.S.

Besides installing solar panels, both companies have  take other sustainable measures and plan more.  IKEA has installed solar panels at other locations across the US and is planning a geothermal system at a location in Colorado. While McDonald's is building LEED certified locations and the Riverside location (with the solar panels) has installed interactive touch screen display for visitors to learn about the building, environmental sustainability, and how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint.

Now only if McDonald's could add even more healthier options to their menu I might actually want to eat there.