Canadian Solar to install 3.6MW solar systems for IKEA Australia

Canadian Solar and IKEA Australia have signed a partnership agreement for installation of 3.6MW solar systems.

Under the terms of the agreement, Canadian Solar will install the solar systems across seven IKEA sites located in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland.

The 3.6MW project is capable of generating enough clean energy to offset approximately 4,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum.

IKEA Australia sustainability manager Richard Wilson said the company has long-term approach to sustainability and aims to switch to renewable energy to become energy independent by 2020.

"For an installation of this size, installing solar systems on to the roofs of our stores and warehouses here in Australia is a considerable undertaking and each of our sites’ has had its challenges," Wilson added.

"It’s important to us and our business to ensure we have efficient, reliable high quality product together with a competitive offer, expert knowledge and experience."

Canadian Solar will provide professional engineering for the development of the project systems, which will feature Canadian Solars’ Quartech-Next Generation PV panels, micro-inverters, innovative roof-top ballast mounting structure, and smart relay components.

Canadian Solar chairman and chief executive officer Dr Shawn Qu said that the IKEA project involved hefty undertakings of grid-connection negotiation.

"Fully equipped with advanced understanding of Australian grid codes and backed by years of experience, our local team was able to effectively execute, despite the complexity of the projects," Qu added.