Toys R Us and Constellation Energy are planning to build the world’s second largest rooftop solar array. The plan is to install more than 37,000 photovoltaic solar panels on their distribution center in Flanders, New Jersey.
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The solar power system will be built, owned and maintained by Constellation Energy. Toys R Us has agreed to a 20 year power purchase agreement at their 1.5 million square foot distribution facility. The 5.38 megawatt solar panel system is expected to be completed by this summer.
70% of the roof will be covered with Uni-Solar Panels provided by United Solar. Approximately 20 acres of rooftop space will produce 6,362 kilowatts of electricity annually. Enough electricity to power 532 homes a year.
Toys R Us will buy the electricity from Constellation Energy and will save an estimated $366,000 a year in electric costs in Flanders. Toys R Us expects to save $7 million over the next 20 years at this facility.
The panels will provide approximately 72% of the distribution center’s electric needs. The solar energy will also prevent the equivalent of emissions produced by approximately 860 vehicles.
Toys R Us is one of United State’s largest toy retailers with 840 stores in the US and 716 stores in 34 other countries. They plan to install solar panels at their other Toys R Us locations soon.
This is expected to be North America’s largest rooftop solar power installation. Currently GM has largest solar roof installation in Spain.
