IKEA’s Burbank store has officially plugged in its new solar energy system, marking the company’s fourth operational solar energy project in the United States and its first in California. The 35,000-square-foot array consists of a 290-kW system, built with about 1,260 panels. The Burbank store’s solar program is expected to produce about 421,300 kWh of electricity annually, which is equivalent to reducing at least 334 tons of carbon dioxide, or the emissions of 58 cars. IKEA solar energy systems are also operational in Brooklyn, N.Y.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Tempe, Ariz. Plans are underway for installing programs at seven other IKEA locations in California and two more on the East Coast. Also, both a solar energy and geothermal system were incorporated into the Denver-area store opening this year in Centennial, Colo. The initiative – developed, designed and installed by Gloria Solar – is expected to contribute to the local utility’s renewable portfolio goals and to lower the carbon intensity of the electrical grid. The project is the third largest installation in the service area of Burbank Water & Power. “We are thrilled at how this solar energy system furthers our sustainability commitment at IKEA Burbank,” said Jeff O’Shaughnessy, the store’s manager. “We appreciate the support of the City of Burbank, BWP and Gloria Solar, our partners in this project.” IKEA’s 242,000-square-foot Burbank store is located on San Fernando Boulevard. There are currently more than 300 IKEA stores in 38 countries, including 37 in the United States.