All 17 Ikea stores in Britain will begin selling solar panel packages within the next 10 months. The announcement by the Swedish retailer is "a sign of the growing mainstream appeal and affordability of solar energy," says Jessica Leber.
The equivalent of $9,200 U.S dollars will buy you 18 panels made by China's Hanergy Holding Group Ltd, including in-store consultation, installation and maintenance. The panels are expected to pay for themselves after seven years of energy savings.
"Ikea said it made the decision because solar panels are getting cheaper--from 2008 to 2012, for example, some smaller photovoltaic systems have dropped in price by 80%. Eventually, the Swedish chain plans to expand solar panels for sale globally, but for now it is starting in the U.K. because of government renewable energy subsidies and policies make it easy for consumers to go solar," explains Leber.
FULL STORY: Ikea Will Start Selling Solar Panels Alongside Those Cheap Dressers
New Solar Capacity Outpaces New Fossil Fuels in the US
Solar energy still makes up just 5 percent of the nation’s energy mix, but could grow faster in coming years.
Editorial: California’s Solar Potential Lies in Roadways, Parking Lots
Environmentalists are raising the alarm about massive solar farms in the unspoiled desert. Why not install more solar panels along state-owned highways and in parking lots instead?
The Slow Growth of Solar Carports
Placing solar panels over parking lots has multiple benefits, but higher costs have prevented their widespread adoption in U.S. cities.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Median Home Prices Top $1 Million in Over 200 California Towns
Towns once known for their affordability are seeing sharply rising home prices.
LA County Receives Reconnecting Communities Grants
Seven grant awards totaling $162 million will be used for planning, capital projects, and regional partnerships to reduce environmental harm and improve access in disadvantaged communities.
Seine Pollution Could Hinder Olympic Swim Events
Events like the triathlon could be impacted if tests continue to reveal high levels of dangerous bacteria in Paris’ famous river.
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Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
