BJ’s to Leverage Solar Power at 4 Additional Stores

Membership club retailer BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to add four more solar photovoltaic (PV) systems — solar panels — to four stores through a partnership with Tioga Energy, a supplier of renewable energy services to commercial, government and nonprofit institutions.

The Natick, Mass.-based retailer already has 12 rooftop solar panel installations on stores in six states. “Since the 90s, BJ’s has taken the smart business strategy of lowering electricity costs through solar power and energy efficiency measures,” said Kevin Moran, manager of energy at BJ’s. “With Tioga Energy as a partner, we are able to take our commitment to solar to the next level, while managing first-cost installation hurdles and providing a hedge against future rate increases.”

The first two rooftop systems, currently under construction at club stores in Leominster and South Attleboro, Mass., are scheduled for completion next month, with two additional projects in New Jersey to be completed in this summer. The systems will be installed and financed through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with San Mateo, Calif.-based Tioga, allowing the stores to implement solar energy without upfront costs. In addition to the clean power provided by the systems, Tioga’s SurePath Solar PPA is designed to offer BJ’s predictable energy prices, providing up to 22 percent of the warehouse club’s yearly electrical needs, at a cost lower than the standard utility rates.

With these new installations online, BJ’s will have more than 2000 kilowatts of solar power attributing to its lower and more predictable electricity costs, with the Leominster and South Attleboro installations at 308 kilowatts and 344 kilowatts, respectively, and the New Jersey installations providing 409 kilowatts and 500 kilowatts.

Under the terms of the PPA, BJ’s pays only for the electricity produced by the systems, while Tioga is responsible for installation, monitoring and maintenance. Spire Corp., a Bedford, Mass.-based global solar company providing solar system integrations services, is the construction partner for the solar installations.

BJ’s operates 187 club stores and 105 gas stations in 15 eastern states.
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