REI Powers Arcadia Store with Solar Panels
Co-op Invites the Community to Celebrate Solar Electric Installations
REI recently announced plans to retrofit more than 10 percent of its stores with solar panels in 2008, generating a total of 1.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity. The photovoltaic solar panels in Arcadia will self-generate nearly 112,000 kilowatt hours of electricity and up to 26 percent of the store’s annual energy needs. This investment is equivalent to saving approximately 93 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).
The additional stores in California include Folsom, Sacramento, San Carlos, San Diego, San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Other REI solar locations include three in Oregon – Clackamas, Hillsboro and Tualatin – and the co-op’s second prototype store in Round Rock, Texas, which tests retail design and green building concepts.
Aligned with the co-op’s environmental priorities, REI’s commitment represents one of the largest solar investments for a specialty retailer in the country.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. is inviting the Arcadia community to celebrate the completion of its solar panel installations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. Members and customers can visit the Arcadia store to learn more about solar technology from REI and its community partners, including ideas for how residents can take steps to reduce their own energy usage.