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Arlington planning commission approves Walmart rooftop solar shaped like company 'spark'
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a revised development plan allowing a rooftop solar array in the shape of the Walmart spark at 915 E. Randall Mill Road. Project partners said the system will be non-exporting, generate about 438,000 kWh annually and reduce roughly 183 metric tons of CO2 a year.
The City of Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 24 to approve a revised development plan to install a rooftop solar array in the shape of the Walmart "spark" on the Walmart Supercenter at 915 East Randall Mill Road.
Kevin Charles, principal planner in Arlington’s Planning and Development Services, told the commission the site is about 16 acres, of which roughly 3.75 acres are developed with the Walmart store, and that the proposal would add a roof-mounted solar energy system. "The development plan proposed to install downward oriented accent lighting and a solar energy array in the shape of [the] Walmart spark on the roof of the existing Walmart building," Charles said during the staff presentation.
Ivan Jaime, director of government affairs for Walmart, said the design was chosen in part because of the store’s proximity to large events and to reflect the company’s presence in Arlington. "This project really for us is about showing our pride in Arlington," Jaime said at the podium. Jaime also relayed engineering estimates that the system would generate about 438,000 kilowatt-hours annually — "the equivalent of powering 35 homes annually" — and could reduce up to about 183 metric tons of CO2 each year.
Chris Georgiadis, NextEra Energy’s development lead for the project, said solar panels for the installation carry warranties typically between 25 and 30 years and in some cases up to about 35 years. He described the system as being tied behind Walmart’s meter to offset the store’s load and said the installation is intended to be non-exporting to the grid.
Commissioners asked about visibility, export to the grid and whether Walmart plans similar rooftop designs elsewhere; company representatives said there were no immediate plans for other installations of this design in Texas but that the company is beginning to view rooftops as an underused asset for resilience and on-site power. Staff said they had not received written support or opposition to the request.
Commissioner Sumter moved to approve zoning case Z03-56/P03-56R1 as presented; Commissioner Ware seconded. Chair Dr. Ignacio Nunez called the voice vote and recorded the motion as passing 9 to nothing.
The approval permits the rooftop solar array as presented; the commission did not attach additional conditions during the meeting. The commission adjourned after completing the item.
