Walgreens taps SoCore Energy to roll out solar installations in Ohio market

CHICAGO — Walgreens is looking to roll out solar installations at its Ohio-area stores, thanks to a new partnership with a Chicago-based solar developer.

The retailer said that it selected SoCore Energy to provide 90 solar installations for the Ohio-based stores. The partnership began earlier this month with the construction of 20 solar installations at Walgreens stores in Cincinnati. Walgreens and SoCore Energy said that the first 53 solar installations are slated to be completed by Nov. 11.

SoCore said it expects to use Power-One as its exclusive provider of inverters for the projects, while U.S. solar manufacturer SolarWorld will supply high-performance solar panels for the effort.

Walgreens also is marking its 100th solar installation in Mason, Ohio, on Sept. 23, which will include solar demonstrations and feature such guest speakers as White House Council on Environmental Quality chair Nancy Sutley, Walgreens president of community management and store operations Mark Wagner and SoCore Energy president Pete Kadens.

“Walgreens’ impressive sustainability efforts include this substantial commitment to solar power and on-site renewable energy,” Kadens said. “These projects are certainly indicative of Walgreens intent to be one of the most environmentally considerate retailers in the world.”

Walgreens will lease the arrays from SoCore for 10 years.