Amazon has made installing solar panels on rooftops a key part of its ESG strategy, but a series of events last year show how challenging greening up major facilities can be.
Between April 2020 and June 2021, solar panels on Amazon fulfillment center roofs caught fire or experienced electrical explosions at least six times. As a result, the company took all U.S. solar rooftops offline last year while it investigated the mishaps.
According to a CNBC report, Amazon hired a consultant to audit its rooftop solar systems in the U.S., Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The study discovered several problems at various sites including mismatched module-to-module connectors, improper installation of connectors, poor wire management, and evidence of water intrusion in the inverters, CNBC reported.
Each fire reportedly cost the company an average of $2.7 million, which included third-party audits of rooftop solar systems, checks on how much electricity they were generating, and repairs for broken or faulty parts.
Despite the setbacks, Amazon remains committed to solar power and continues to monitor the situation, making repairs where needed. As of this April, Amazon had onsite solar at 176 facilities. Its solar program began in 2017.
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
Architects | Aug 27, 2020
Strategically planning your firm past the COVID-19 pandemic
As AEC firm leaders consider worst-case scenarios and explore possible solutions to surmount them, they learn to become nimble, quick, and ready to pivot as circumstances demand.
Digital Twin | Aug 27, 2020
The Weekly show: Digital twin technology and social equity in the AEC market
The August 27 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Aug 25, 2020
Video: 5 building sectors to watch amid COVID-19
RCLCO's Brad Hunter reveals the winners and non-winners of the U.S. real estate market during the coronavirus pandemic.
Contractors | Aug 24, 2020
Guidance on design assist vs. delegated design released
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) have released a paper that provides guidance on design collaboration on construction projects.
University Buildings | Jul 24, 2020
A hybrid learning approach could redefine higher education
Universities reassess current assets to determine growth strategies.
Contractors | Jul 8, 2020
Construction businesses top one cohort of borrowers under Paycheck Protection Program
The loans saved an estimated 17,500 construction jobs.
Coronavirus | Jun 19, 2020
Experts address COVID-19's impact on nursing homes and schools on The Weekly
The June 18 episode of BD+C's "The Weekly" is available for viewing on demand.
Coronavirus | Jun 12, 2020
BD+C launches 'The Weekly,' a streaming program for the design and construction industry
The first episode, now available on demand, features experts from Robins & Morton, Gensler, and FMI on the current state of the AEC market.
Contractors | Jun 11, 2020
Patriarch of The Boldt Company dies at 96
Oscar Boldt left an indelible business and charitable mark.