As the United States grapples with the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels, the untapped potential of big-box stores to generate solar energy presents a glaring failure of corporate responsibility and a missed opportunity to advance climate justice and economic equity. Vast, underutilized rooftops of retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Costco could become sources of clean, renewable energy, dramatically reducing carbon emissions and providing much-needed relief to communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.

According to a report by Environment America and Frontier Group, leveraging the full rooftop solar potential of these superstores would generate enough electricity to power nearly 8 million homes, cutting planet-warming emissions equivalent to removing 11.3 million gas-powered cars from the road. This would substantially alleviate environmental burdens on marginalized communities that often bear the brunt of pollution from fossil fuel infrastructure. The report also highlights the economic benefits of solar energy production, stating that big-box stores and shopping centers have enough roof space to produce half of their annual electricity needs from solar.

The IKEA store in Baltimore provides a compelling case study. By installing solar panels on its roof and over the parking lot, the company reduced its purchased energy by 84% and slashed costs by 57% between September and December 2020. Yet, despite the demonstrated economic and environmental advantages, most big-box stores have failed to embrace solar energy. This inaction perpetuates a system where corporate profits are prioritized over the health and well-being of communities and the planet. Clean energy advocates involved in worker-training programs emphasize that a solar revolution in big-box retail would create significant economic opportunities for local communities, spurring growth while addressing the climate crisis.

CNN contacted Walmart, Kroger, Home Depot, Costco, and Target to understand their reluctance to invest in more rooftop solar. The companies cited regulatory hurdles, labor costs, and concerns about the structural integrity of their rooftops. However, these concerns pale in comparison to the devastating consequences of climate change and the systemic inequalities that are exacerbated by the continued reliance on fossil fuels. These obstacles reveal a deeper problem of corporate inertia and a failure to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profits.

As Johanna Neumann, senior director for Environment America’s campaign for 100% Renewable, argues, every unused rooftop is a wasted opportunity to break dependence on fossil fuels and geopolitical conflicts. The time has come for these corporations to step up and embrace their responsibility to invest in a clean energy future that benefits all members of society. Failure to do so will only perpetuate environmental injustice and exacerbate the climate crisis, leaving marginalized communities to bear the heaviest burden.