Top 10 Solar Adopters in 2022

The renewable energy movement still has a long way to go to meet the ambitious climate goals set by the Biden administration. But we celebrate our victories whenever we can.

The United States is now the second largest producer of solar power in the world after China. As of the end of 2021, the United States is producing 95,209 megawatts (MW) of her solar energy, enough to power her 18 million homes.¹

For much of that progress, we have an American company to thank. EcoWatch doesn’t usually applaud big companies for helping the planet. Nor am I saying that their introduction of solar power has solved the vices of climate change.

But again, we celebrate our victories whenever we can. American companies are also installing record levels of solar installations to power their operations. According to the Solar Means Business 2022 Report, these companies now account for 14% of all installed solar capacity in the US, totaling more than 19 gigawatts (or 19,000 MW).²

Without further ado, these are the top 10 corporate solar adapters for 2022.

1. Meta: 3,588MW
2. Amazon: 1,115MW
3. Apple: 987MW
4. Walmart: 689MW
5. Microsoft: 551MW
6. Target: 515MW
7. Cargill: 342MW
8. Kaiser Permanente: 303MW
9. Anheuser-Busch: 301MW
10. Evraz North America: 300MW

1. Meta Platforms Inc.

Headquarters: menlo park, california

Meta is a pioneering corporate supporter of the solar world. As of June 2022, the company has installed more than 3,588 MW of his solar power (approximately 3.59 GW). That’s more than three times more solar power than his second closest company, Amazon.

In case you didn’t know, Meta is a company formerly known as Facebook, Inc. This multinational technology company owns most of your favorite phone apps like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as well as several other products and services.

2. Amazon

Headquarters: Seattle, Washington

Amazon, the empire of Jeff Bezos, takes second place in terms of solar installations, beating Meta by more than 2,400 megawatts. Rooftop solar is part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge plan to become carbon neutral by 2040.

In addition to solar, Amazon has a goal of acquiring 100,000 electric delivery vans, sourcing 80% of its energy use from renewable sources within five years, and achieving net zero emissions by 2030. I am planning to migrate.³

3. Apple

Headquarters: cupertino, california

The two-time former solar champion has fallen down the ranks this year due to bigger pushes by Amazon and Meta, but Apple still occupies a spot in the top three corporate solar adapters for 2022 with 987 MW installed. .

However, Apple expects it to rise again in the coming years. Earlier this year, 213 of the company’s major manufacturing partners committed to powering all Apple products with renewable electricity in 25 countries. Did. Like Amazon, Apple also has a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.^Four

4. Walmart

Headquarters: Bentonville, Arkansas

Retail megachain Walmart produces the most energy of any non-tech company with 689 MW. In 2019, Walmart actually increased its use of solar power by 35%. That’s more than any other company in the US.

Besides solar, Walmart is also a big investor in wind energy, making it the largest US wind energy purchaser in 2019. The big retailer also has a goal of being powered by 100% renewable energy by 2035.^Five

5. Microsoft

Headquarters: redmond, washington

Microsoft is short on solar adoption compared to big rival Apple, but enough to rank fifth with 551 MW.

The technology company announced a partnership with Volt Energy in 2021 to reach its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2025.⁶ Microsoft’s campus in Silicon Valley has a large solar power facility that saves over $100,000 in electricity bills annually.⁷

6. Target

Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Right behind Microsoft, which has installed 515 MW of solar power, is another major retailer, Target.

In 2020, Target reached its goal of installing 500 rooftop solar panels within five years. The retailer is also more than a quarter way towards its goal of sourcing 100% of his electricity from renewable sources by 2030.⁸

7. Cargill

Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota

This is probably the first company on the list that is not immediately recognizable. Cargill, Inc., a leading agricultural company, is a privately-held U.S. global food company that brings food, agriculture, financial and industrial products to people around the world.

Cargill has installed 342 MW of solar power as of June 2022, helping to advance its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2025.⁹

8. Kaiser Permanente

Headquarters: oakland, california

Healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente installed a massive 2.3 MW solar panel array at its Sacramento facility in 2020. It is the largest of the company’s 41 solar projects. As of mid-2022, Kaiser Permanente will have installed 303 MW of photovoltaic capacity.

Besides installing solar panels, Kaiser Permanente has taken other steps to support solar energy, including awarding GRID Alternatives a $150,000 grant.^Ten

9. Anheuser-Busch

Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri

One of America’s favorite brewing companies has already achieved its goal of 100% of its purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2025. This is also thanks to the installed 301 MW of solar power.¹¹

Anheuser-Busch owns a 222 MW solar farm in Texas and a 152 MW wind farm in Oklahoma.

10. Evraz North America

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois

Just behind Kaiser Permanente and Anhuser-Busch is Evraz North America with 300 MW of installed solar capacity. Evraz is a leading manufacturer of specialty steel products for the rail, energy and industrial markets.

Evraz made the top 10 list, but the company is expected to move up the ranks once construction of its 300 MW solar farm in Colorado is completed.¹²

Top 25 Corporate Solar Adapters