The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) just released its “Solar Means Business 2018” report. The seventh annual report follows solar adoption by businesses across the U.S., ranging from some of the country’s largest and most recognizable brands to smaller companies in local communities.
For the first time, the 2018 report captures large offsite installations as well as data on solar installed onsite at business locations. With the new methodology, Apple now ranks first in the U.S. with the most solar capacity installed with nearly 400 megawatts (MWs). The company is followed closely by Amazon, Target, Walmart and Switch.
Prologis Still #3 for Onsite Solar Capacity; First Among Real Estate Companies
Prologis ranks number eight in the expanded solar installations total—with 126.3 MWs of solar installed in the U.S.—but remains in third place for onsite solar installations. The company follows only Target and Walmart in first and second place, respectively, for onsite solar. Prologis ranks first among real estate companies.
“Prologis was among the first in the logistics real estate industry to invest in solar, and our future-focused approach to environmental, social and governance practices has put us on pace to surpass our goal of 200 MW of solar capacity by 2020. Our early investments in solar have also set us apart in creating a competitive advantage in the real estate industry,” said Matt Singleton, senior vice president, Global Energy, Prologis. “We are honored to be recognized for our efforts to deliver value to our customers and minimize our environmental impact through our renewable energy program.”
Rapid Growth in Corporate Solar Adoption
The SEIA report said the 7,000 MWs of installed commercial solar across the U.S. today generates 10.7 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity annually, enough to power 1.4 million homes. The report said that falling prices and more flexible financing and procurement structures have led to rapid growth in corporate solar adoption, with more than half of all corporate solar capacity in the U.S. installed since 2016.
“Top companies are increasingly investing in clean, reliable solar energy because it makes economic sense,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.
