Citing its goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, home improvement retailer Lowe’s announced on April 19 details of rooftop solar panel installations at 174 store and distribution center locations nationwide, including 20 sites currently in operation.

Once each site is completed, the solar panels will provide approximately 90% of the energy usage at each location, Lowe’s said in its announcement.

The company said it will partner with DSD Renewables, Greenskies Clean Focus and Infiniti Energy as part of the installation plans. The rooftop solar panel installations span locations throughout California, Illinois and New Jersey, Lowe’s said.

The investments will help Lowe’s reduce its operational emissions and reach its goal of having its operations powered with 50% renewable energy by 2030, the company said in its announcement.

“At Lowe’s, we are focused on operating responsibly and reducing our impact on the environment,” said Chris Cassell, Lowe’s Vice President of Corporate Sustainability. “Investing in renewable energy lowers operating costs and is an important step in reducing emissions associated with our stores and distribution centers. This initial rooftop solar portfolio is one example of the collaboration we seek with partners as we work toward our long-term and interim net-zero goals.”

Lowe’s said the 174 locations include:

• 20 stores in New Jersey that are currently operational through Infiniti Energy. Panel installations at six additional Lowe’s stores in the state are in development and scheduled to be operational later this year.
• 55 stores in California, as well as 36 stores and three distribution centers in Illinois planned in partnership with DSD. Construction is expected to begin at all sites by the end of 2023.
• 52 stores and two distribution centers in California, in partnership with Greenskies Clean Focus, scheduled to begin construction later this year.