Macy's California going green (PV systems for 11 stores)

[jpak]

http://charlotte.bizjournals.com/eastbay/stories/2007/06/04/daily27.html

Macy's Inc. is installing solar power at 26 of its California stores, reducing its reliance on utility-provided energy at those locations by 40 percent, or the equivalent of taking more than 1,000 vehicles off the road.

The plan involves a partnership with SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR), a San Jose-based manufacturer of solar energy systems. Under the agreement, Macy's (NYSE: M) will buy outright solar power systems for 11 stores and purchase just the solar powered electricity for the 15 remaining locations. At the end of a 10-year term, Macy's will have the option to renew the agreement, transfer the equipment to a new site, or buy the system.

Through the system's lifetime, Macy's expects to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 195 million pounds. That is the equivalent of 1,144 cars annually.

Macy's said it is using cleaner technology because a successful business requires a healthy environment, but for now the retailer is limiting the effort to California.

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