Wal Mart announced that it will invest in 74 Solar Landscape community solar projects in Maryland and Illinois.

The commercial rooftop project is currently under construction and is expected to be electrified in 2024 and 2025. They will create nearly 43 megawatts of DC solar capacity for surrounding communities, enough to provide electricity for over 3600 households.

About half of the product portfolio aims to reduce energy costs for low - and middle-income (LMI) households. Solar Landscape estimates that these projects will save subscribers approximately $1 million in energy costs annually.

Frank Palladino, vice president of renewable energy strategy of Wal Mart, said, "Our investment in community solar energy portfolio is in line with our goal of helping people save money and live better." "Once put into operation, these projects will enhance the grid infrastructure of dozens of communities in Maryland and Illinois, expand access to affordable clean energy, and help thousands of families save energy costs."

By placing community solar projects on commercial rooftops in densely populated areas (known as load zones) where it is difficult to generate new electricity using traditional methods, this investment portfolio will add significant value to the grid. This reduces the demand for additional power transmission, further promotes fairness in the transition to clean energy, and accelerates development.

Clayton Avent, CFO of Solar Landscape, said: "Wal Mart's investment in community solar energy product portfolio is an important first step in our partnership, and also a catalyst for our mission to make solar energy more accessible and affordable nationwide." "Developing community solar projects on commercial roofs is the fastest and most effective way to save power for communities. We look forward to increasing the use of solar energy and saving money for residents around the portfolio project."

Solar Landscape and Wal Mart plan to explore follow-up investment and opportunities to achieve the common goal of domestic community solar energy.