Walmart announced it will invest in 74 Solar Landscape community solar projects in Maryland and Illinois.
The commercial rooftop projects are currently under construction and are expected to be energized in 2024 and 2025. They will generate almost 43 MWdirect current of solar capacity for the surrounding communities, enough power to serve the equivalent of more than 3,600 households.
About half of the portfolio is intended to reduce energy costs for low- and middle-income households (LMI). In total, Solar Landscape estimates that the projects will save subscribers approximately $1 million annually on energy bills.
“Our investment in this community solar portfolio is aligned with our purpose of helping people save money and live better lives,” said Frank Palladino, VP of sustainable energy strategy at Walmart. “Once operational, these projects will improve grid infrastructure in dozens of communities across Maryland and Illinois, while increasing access to affordable clean energy and helping thousands of households save money on energy bills.”
By deploying community solar projects on commercial rooftops in densely populated areas, known as load pockets, where it can be difficult to generate new energy through traditional means, the portfolio will add significant value to the electric grid. This reduces the need for additional transmission, promotes equity in the clean energy transition and accelerates development.
A solar landscape project in New Jersey.
“Walmart’s investment in this community solar portfolio is an important first step in our relationship together and a catalyst for our mission to make solar energy more accessible and affordable across the country,” said Clayton Avent, CFO of Solar Landscape. “Developing community solar projects on commercial rooftops is the fastest and most efficient way to save communities electricity. We look forward to increasing access to solar energy and creating savings for residents around the projects in this portfolio.”
Solar Landscape and Walmart plan to explore follow-on investments and opportunities to achieve shared goals in domestic community solar.
News item from Solar Landscape
