Seattle-based A&R Solar, the state's largest solar installer, has installed the largest solar rooftop array in Washington State atop IKEA's new retail store in Renton.

The store's 244,000-square-foot solar array consists of a 1.13-megawatt system, built with 3,268 SolarWorld 345 panels and 4,770 ballast trays. The system will produce about 1,261,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually for the store. IKEA said the solar power will be the equivalent of reducing 886 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equal to the emissions of 187 cars or providing electricity for 131 homes yearly.

REC Solar designed the store's solar array. Deacon Corp. is managing the construction of the 399,000-square-foot store, slated to open on February 22nd.

A&R Solar | www.a-rsolar.com