Apple is the number one company in the United States when it comes to embracing solar energy.
According for the latest Solar Means Business Report, Apple has more off and on-site solar installations in the U.S. than any other major business.
Unlike some reports which measure difficult-to-quantify metrics like brand value, the Solar Means Business Report is pretty clear. Created by the Solar Energy Industries Association, it ranks according to installed solar capacity in the U.S.
Apple ranks number one with 393 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity. Its Apple Park campus alone is powered by 100% renewable energy. This comes from a variety of sustainable sources, solar included. It features an on-site 17 MW rooftop solar installation and 4 MW of biogas fuel cells. Last year, a drone photographer accidentally crash landed onto Apple Park’s solar roof.
In 2018, Apple became the world’s first major tech company to be powered by 100% renewable energy.
The drive to sustainability
After Apple, Amazon and Target occupied the second and third places on the list. Amazon, following in second place, generates 329.8 MW of solar energy. Google also made it into the top 10.
“Top companies are increasingly investing in clean, reliable solar energy because it makes economic sense,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, the SEIA’s president and CEO, in a statement.
The organization notes that solar power has surged in the U.S. over the past several years. More than 50% of the total capacity in North America has been installed since 2016. Apple has turned the corner on sustainability during that time. From once being close to sworn enemies with Greenpeace, Apple’s is now frequently lauded for its focus on green energy.
Much of this has been under the leadership of Tim Cook. Cook has frequently talked about how Apple should aim to be a “force for good” in the world.
Source: CNBC
