In line with its goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, major home improvement company Lowe’s has announced plans to have rooftop solar installations atop 174 store and distribution center locations nationwide, including 20 sites currently in operation. Once each site is completed, the solar panels will provide approximately 90% of the energy usage at each location.
Through partnerships with DSD Renewables (DSD), Greenskies Clean Focus, and Infiniti Energy, Lowe’s rooftop solar installations span locations throughout California, Illinois, and New Jersey. These investments will help Lowe’s reduce its emissions and achieve its goal to power 50% of operations with renewable energy by 2030.
“At Lowe’s, we are focused on operating responsibly and reducing our impact on the environment,” said Chris Cassell, Lowe’s VP of corporate sustainability. “Investing in renewable energy lowers operating costs and is an important step in reducing emissions associated with our stores and distribution centers. This initial rooftop solar portfolio is one example of the collaboration we seek with partners as we work toward our long-term and interim net-zero goals.”
The rooftop solar portfolio of 174 locations includes:
- 20 stores in New Jersey that are currently operational through Infiniti Energy. Panel installations at six additional Lowe’s stores in the state are in development and scheduled to be operational later this year.
- 55 stores in California, as well as 36 stores and three distribution centers in Illinois, planned in partnership with DSD. Construction is expected to begin at all sites by the end of 2023.
- 52 stores and two distribution centers in California, in partnership with Greenskies Clean Focus, scheduled to begin construction later this year.
This investment in rooftop solar builds on Lowe’s recent sustainability progress, including achieving its 2025 goal of reducing scope 1 and scope 2 GHG emissions by 40%—relative to 2016 emissions levels—four years early.
Lowe’s is one of many major corporations in the U.S. embracing solar power. The Solar Energy Industries Association’s recent “Solar Means Business 2022” report highlighted the rise of commercial solar adoption and revealed the top 25 corporate solar users in America.