The visit marks one year since IKEA, in partnership with solar energy giant Hanergy, introduced its solar panel installation service available to buy straight from IKEA’s stores.
Since launching the initiative at IKEA’s Southampton store, solar panels are now available to purchase at all 18 stores across the UK. Based on this success, the Company is now planning to launch PV to further countries later this year.
Amber Rudd said: “Renewable energy is at the heart of the government’s policy to make Britain more sustainable. Affordable solar panels such as those available from IKEA with Hanergy, are helping thousands of people bring down their energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint. We are proud that the UK is leading the way in making solar panel installation accessible.”
Joanna Yarrow, head of sustainability IKEA UK and Ireland, added: “It’s been a privilege to have the Minister for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd at our store in Southampton, the first IKEA store in the world to offer affordable solar panel installations.”