IKEA, the world’s largest furniture retailer, will collaborate with American renewable energy company SunPower to make solar energy more accessible for customers, the company stated earlier this month in a press release.
Starting this fall, customers will be able to purchase solar panels and other home solar solutions in certain California IKEA stores as part of the Home Solar with IKEA program.
According to IKEA, these goods will enable homeowners to generate and store their own renewable energy and live more sustainably. However, the home solar items are exclusively available to members of the IKEA Family customer loyalty program.
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, only 3.2% of single-family detached homes have solar panels. Many homeowners are hesitant to purchase residential solar systems due to the high cost and complicated installation process. Financing arrangements can also be complicated, and some impose liens on the panels, which can cause issues when purchasing and selling a home.
Yet, solar panels are now more affordable than ever before, and between lower energy bills and government incentives, a residential solar system might pay for itself before the panels need to be replaced.
Prior to the US launch, IKEA was already selling residential solar systems in 11 other regions. With straightforward ordering procedure, quick installation, and cost savings for using IKEA membership, the program has received praises from customers.
“The launch of Home Solar with IKEA will allow more people to take greater control of their energy needs,” said Javier Quiñones, IKEA US’s CEO and chief sustainability officer, adding that the company’s goal is to offer the clean energy service at additional IKEA locations in the future.
IKEA Home Solar is just one of the numerous ways the company is working to become circular and climate positive by 2030. To reduce carbon footprint in its global operations, IKEA has a robust renewable energy portfolio in the United States, which includes two wind farms, two solar farms, two geothermal systems, seven biogas-fuel cells, and rooftop solar arrays on 90% of its locations.
