LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that the solar installation is complete atop its Las Vegas store opening May 18, 2016. Once commissioned, the project will be the largest single-use retail rooftop solar array in Nevada.

The store’s 240,504-square-foot solar comprises a 1.14 MW system, built with 3,620 panels, and will produce approximately 1,750,000 kWh of electricity annually for the store, the equivalent of reducing 1,207 tons of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) – equal to the emissions of 254 cars or providing electricity for 166 homes yearly (calculating clean energy equivalents at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html).

For the development, design and installation of IKEA Las Vegas’ customized solar power system, IKEA selected Helix Electric, an award-winning electrical contractor and industry leader specializing in design-build and complex electrical projects in the U.S. for more than 30 years. R&O Construction is managing the site work and building of the actual store that will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.

“Installing the solar panels is another exciting and sustainable step in the progress towards opening the future IKEA Las Vegas,” said Amy Jensen, store manager. “IKEA strives to create a sustainable life for communities where we operate, and IKEA Las Vegas is adding to this goal with Nevada’s largest single-use retail rooftop solar array.”

This array represents the 43rd solar project for IKEA in the U.S., contributing to the IKEA solar presence at nearly 90% of its U.S. locations, with a total generation goal of 40 MW. IKEA owns and operates each of its solar PV energy systems atop its buildings – as opposed to a solar lease or PPA (power purchase agreement) – and globally has allocated more than $2 billion to invest in renewable energy through 2020, reinforcing its confidence and investment in solar photovoltaic technology. Consistent with the goal of being energy independent by 2020, IKEA has installed more than 700,000 solar panels across the world and owns approximately 157 wind turbines in Europe and Canada, with 104 more in the U.S.

IKEA, drawing from its Swedish heritage and respect of nature, believes it can be a good business while doing good business and aims to minimize impacts on the environment. Globally, IKEA evaluates locations regularly for conservation opportunities, integrates innovative materials into product design, works to maintain sustainable resources, and flat-packs goods for efficient distribution. Specific U.S. sustainable efforts include: recycling waste material; incorporating environmental measures into the actual buildings with energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas, and water-conserving restrooms; and operationally, eliminating plastic bags from the check-out process, phasing-out the sale of incandescent light bulbs, facilitating recycling of customers’ compact fluorescent bulbs, and – as of 2016 – selling only L.E.D. bulbs. IKEA also has installed electric vehicle charging stations at 13 stores, with a roll-out planned for more locations.

Under construction on 26 acres along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at Durango Drive, near Sunset Road, the 351,000 square-foot future IKEA Las Vegas, and 1,300 parking spaces, will open May 18, 2016. Until then, Las Vegas-area customers can shop at the closest IKEA stores: Covina, CA; Tempe, AZ, or Draper, UT; or online at IKEA-USA.com.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 380 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 41 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.