Amazon shut down solar power systems at all of its US facilities in 2021 after a series of fires and explosions, including one at its Fresno warehouse in 2020.
On the afternoon of April 14, 2020, dozens of firefighters arrived at an Amazon warehouse in Fresno, California, as thick plumes of smoke billowed from the roof of the 880,000-square-foot warehouse.
Some 220 solar panels and other equipment at the facility, known as FAT1, were damaged by the three-alarm fire, which was caused by “an undetermined electrical event within the roof-top mounted solar system,” said Leland Wilding, Fresno fire chief. investigator, wrote in an incident report.
A little more than a year later, about 60 firefighters were called to an even larger Amazon facility in Perryville, Maryland, to put out a two-alarm blaze, local media reported.
In the intervening months, at least four other Amazon fulfillment centers caught fire or experienced electrical explosions due to failures in their solar power generation systems, according to internal company documents seen by CNBC.
The documents, which have never been made public, indicate that between April 2020 and June 2021, Amazon experienced “critical fire or arc flash events” at at least six of its 47 North American sites with solar installations, affecting the 12.7% of said installations. Electric arcs are a kind of electrical explosion.
“The rate of dangerous incidents is unacceptable and above industry averages,” an Amazon employee wrote in one of the internal reports.
Solar issues underscore the challenge facing Amazon and many other large corporations in their quest to reduce their environmental footprint and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Amazon has been among the most aggressive. In 2019, founder Jeff Bezos launched the Climate Pledge, promising that the largest online retailer would cut emissions to zero by 2040, embrace renewable energy and move away from gas-guzzling delivery vans, including through a investment of more than a billion dollars in the electric vehicle company Rivian. .
Amazon’s learning curve with solar
US corporations are under pressure from regulators and a growing subset of investors to set and report on environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. To see also : San diego diy solar.
Many will be able to reap financial rewards for renewable energy efforts after Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act in August, which includes climate provisions projected to reduce the country’s carbon emissions by about 40% by 2030.
Commercial solar power in the US is expected to see 8% annual growth over the next five years, thanks in part to the legislation, according to Michelle Davis, a solar analyst at Wood Mackenzie. Warehouses can harness solar power to a great extent, he said, because they have large roofs and the systems can power all of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning, refrigeration and other energy-intensive systems located inside.
But costly and dangerous problems can arise.
Solar power systems on the roof of the Amazon warehouse in Fresno caused a three-alarm fire in 2020.
In June of last year, all of Amazon’s US solar-powered operations had to temporarily go offline, internal documents show. The company had to ensure that its systems were properly designed, installed, and maintained before “reactivating” any of them.
Amazon spokeswoman Erika Howard told CNBC in a statement that the incidents involved systems run by partners and that the company responded by voluntarily turning off its solar-powered roofs.
“Out of an abundance of caution, following a small number of isolated incidents with third-party owned and operated onsite solar systems, Amazon proactively shut down our onsite solar installations in North America and took immediate action to re-inspect each installation by a leading firm of solar energy technical experts,” the statement said.
Those details did not appear in Amazon’s 100-page sustainability report for 2021, which was released in early August. In that report, available to the public through Amazon’s sustainability website, the company said rooftop solar was powering 115 of its distribution centers around the world by the end of 2021, up from more than 90 in the middle of the year. Most of them are outside of the US.
“Many of our compliance facilities in the US, Europe, and India are powered by on-site solar power, where a rooftop installation can power up to 80% of the facility’s energy use,” the report says.
As of April of this year, Amazon had on-site solar power at 176 facilities, according to its website. The solar program was launched in 2017.
“As inspections are completed, our on-site solar systems are turned back on,” Howard said. “Amazon has also created a team of dedicated solar experts who oversee the construction, operations and maintenance of our systems internally to ensure the safety of our systems.”
Excluded from the public sustainability report is any mention of the costs incurred by Amazon when there is a failure. An Amazon employee estimated, in documents circulated internally, that each incident cost the company an average of $2.7 million. Costs included third-party audits of rooftop solar systems, checks on how much electricity they generated, and repairs to any broken or defective parts of the systems that inspectors identified.
The Amazon employee also said the company would lose $940,000 per month, or $20,000 for each of the 47 North American sites taken down, as long as solar energy remained offline. There could be additional costs to Amazon depending on contracts with clean energy partners for renewable energy credits, the documents show.
To date, Amazon has contracted with third-party vendors to design and then install rooftop solar PV systems and large backup batteries on site. Other major retailers, including Walmart and Target, have also installed solar roofs and adopted programs to lower their energy bills and meet sustainability goals.
In addition to its warehouses, Amazon has some solar roof systems at its Whole Foods stores. Amazon and its auditor, Clean Energy Associates (CEA), have delayed inspection of solar roof systems at Whole Foods locations until 2022, according to the documents. At the end of 2021, four years after acquiring Whole Foods, Amazon was still working on getting technical information on renewable energy assets in stores.
Installation of solar panels on the roof of a Walmart store in California.
To maintain tighter quality control of its solar power systems, some Amazon employees recommended bringing more operations in-house. The fire in Perryville, Maryland, which was the sixth failure in just over a year, prompted the company to take systematic action.
On June 17, 2021, about a week after the warehouse fire known as MDT2, Amazon’s sustainability division ordered owners and developers of solar roof systems at its US warehouses to dismantle them. Solar roofs would no longer generate electricity from the sun or produce renewable energy credits.
Amazon then contracted with Denver-based CEA to conduct a third-party audit of its rooftop solar systems in the US, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.
Late last year, while CEA was still conducting its inspections, it reported to Amazon one critical and 259 major findings in Amazon’s rooftop solar portfolio. Problems included mismatched module-to-module connectors, improper connector installation, poor cable management and evidence of water intrusion into the inverters, according to internal documents.
Problems with inverters, which convert solar energy into usable electricity, were identified as the likely cause of a fire in at least one Amazon warehouse. Wilding, the Fresno fire inspector, concluded that the fire at FAT1 “originated in or near two inverters,” according to an investigative report obtained by CNBC through a public records request.
Malfunctions and improper installations
Amazon blamed third-party partners and suppliers for the biggest issues uncovered by CEA and other teams working on facilities and sustainability initiatives. This may interest you : Floating solar farms could help reduce impacts of climate change on lakes and reservoirs.
“Over the past five years, solar failures have been caused by improper installation techniques, improper start-up of a new system, improper system maintenance, and equipment malfunctions,” the documents say.
Amazon teams working on facilities and sustainability initiatives devised a two-part plan to help prevent future rooftop solar program failures.
In late 2021, the divisions requested $3.6 million in funding to re-inspect sites where significant findings were identified to ensure systems were safe to come back online, according to internal correspondence.
Internal teams also began urging Amazon leaders to rely more on salaried employees and less on outside vendors. Over time, the company hired more solar energy experts focused on procurement, design, construction, and maintenance globally.
In some cases, management was remarkably slow to respond. For example, groups within the company agitating for change went to management for approval of hiring, reinspection, and revitalization plans. But efforts were stalled for months by top Amazon executives, including Kara Hurst, vice president of global sustainability, and Alicia Boler-Davis, senior vice president of global customer fulfillment, who left the company in June 2022, according to internal correspondence seen. . by CNBC.
Amazon disputed the claim in the documents that leadership was slow to respond to employee requests.
Job postings suggest that Amazon is still looking to hire people internally for solar operations.
The company was recently looking for someone to manage sustainability projects at its North American facilities, including rooftop solar. There is a current listing for a technical program partner in the solar team that says a key aspect of the position is collaborating with “internal partners” in global design, solar construction and sustainability, among other divisions.
As it tries to increase its staff, Amazon has acknowledged that going green comes with obstacles, particularly for a company “of Amazon’s size and scope.”
“But at Amazon, we don’t shy away from big challenges,” Hurst wrote in the letter that kicked off the 2021 sustainability report. “We don’t have all the answers today, but we believe in the need to act now.”
WATCH: How two friends formed the first Amazon union in the US and what’s next
How big is the Amazon building in Republic MO?
–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Amazon’s new 1.3 million square foot fulfillment center in Republic, Missouri, hosted Missouri Governor Mike Parson and state and local elected officials on September 27 for a tour of STL3. Since opening on August 1, 2021, the facility has already created 1,400 good jobs.
How many square feet is the Amazon warehouse in Republic Missouri? A 1.3 million square meters. -foot. Amazon fulfillment center opens in Republic, Mo.
Where is Amazon being built in Republic MO?
The Iron Grain District, a $65 million mixed-use development from Magers Management Co., is coming to Republic. Residential and commercial development is slated for the intersection of State Route MM and Sawyer Road on 30 acres adjacent to the Garton Business Park, which is home to Amazon’s fulfillment center.
Is Amazon coming to Republic Missouri?
Amazon officially opens a mass storage and distribution facility in Republic. Hundreds of workers signed up Monday as Amazon’s much-anticipated fulfillment center in Republic opened for business.
Where is Amazon building in Missouri?
Construction on Amazon’s distribution center is underway at Cartwright Business & Technology Park in Ashland. The mayor said he hopes the creation of more jobs in the area will lead to more opportunities for development in other parts of the community.
Where is Amazon building new locations?
Amazon’s next largest warehouse after the Ontario building will be a 3.87-million-square-foot facility under construction in Loveland, Colorado, said Wulfratt, president of MWPVL. The company has eight other buildings in operation or under construction with at least 3.8 million square feet.
Is Amazon coming to Republic mo?
Amazon officially opens a mass storage and distribution facility in Republic. Hundreds of workers signed up Monday as Amazon’s much-anticipated fulfillment center in Republic opened for business.
Where is Amazon opening new locations?
The largest Amazon warehouse in history, a 4.1-million-square-foot, 97-foot-tall building planned for dairy land in Ontario, California, is under construction, according to an article by Jeff Collins for the California County Record. Orange [paywall] .
Where is the new Amazon in Missouri?
Ashland Mayor Richard Sullivan this week confirmed Amazon’s plan to build a distribution center in the Cartwright Industrial Park near Columbia Regional Airport.
How big is the Amazon building in Republic?
The 1.3 million-square-foot (120,774-square-meter) distribution center opened Monday at Republic, the Springfield News-Leader reported. According to Amazon, the Republic facility employs more than 200 people with a starting wage of $15.50 an hour.
How big is the new Amazon building?
The largest Amazon warehouse in history, a 4.1-million-square-foot, 97-foot-tall building planned for dairy land in Ontario, California, is under construction, according to an article by Jeff Collins for the California County Record. Orange [paywall] .
How big is the Amazon building in Las Vegas?
It has 13 operating facilities in Nevada, including a massive 855,000-square-foot mega warehouse near Las Vegas Motor Speedway that employs about 4,500 people.
What caused Amazon warehouse fire?
The cause of a fire on the roof of an Amazon warehouse in Perryville, Maryland, has been deemed to be a problem with the solar system on the roof, according to the Susquehanna Hose Co. The State Fire Marshal has ruled the fire was accident and no one was injured during the incident.
How did the Redlands Amazon fire start? The cause of the fire is believed to be suspicious in nature, and Redlands Police and Fire arson investigators are working with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Why did Amazon building collapse?
Amazon’s downstate Edwardsville facility, where six workers died after a tornado hit the building, appears to have had major structural failures, according to a lawsuit and a government engineer’s report released by the plaintiff’s attorney.
When did Amazon warehouse collapse?
The National Weather Service said a tornado touched down in Edwardsville at approximately 8:35 p.m. local time Friday. Walls on both sides of the warehouse collapsed inward, while the roof collapsed downward, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said at a news conference Saturday.
Where did the Amazon building collapse at?
Six people were killed last December when a tornado hit the huge Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois. The 11-inch concrete walls collapsed and the 40-foot roof collapsed, destroying a football field section of the 1 million square foot building.
What happened Amazon building?
10 after a tornado hit the Edwardsville warehouse. The EF-3 tornado touched down at approximately 8:28 p.m. m. local time with 150 mph winds. The roof of the 1.1-million-square-foot facility collapsed, while the 40-foot-high, 11-inch-thick concrete walls on the sides of the building fell inward.
How did the Amazon warehouse fire start?
The solar panel system on the roof of the Amazon warehouse in Cecil County sparked a fire that cost the building about $500,000, according to investigators. The State Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the fire accidental, due to an “unspecified event” related to the solar panel system.
Which Amazon facility burned down?
Amazon was accused Saturday of putting corporate profits before the safety of workers after the partial collapse of a St. Louis-area warehouse caused by a tornado that left at least six people dead.
What caused Amazon building collapse?
The lawyer says that structural problems partially caused the collapse of the Amazon facility. EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. â An attorney for one of the victims’ families, claims engineers found structural deficiencies at an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, which partially collapsed in a tornado.
Did an Amazon warehouse burn?
Employees said multiple fire trucks responded and staff were evacuated and eventually told to go home. Columbia County officials told News 12 there was a small fire on the second floor. It was contained to that level and quickly died out once crews arrived. There was minimal fire damage and no one was injured.
When did Amazon warehouse collapse?
The National Weather Service said a tornado touched down in Edwardsville at approximately 8:35 p.m. local time Friday. Walls on both sides of the warehouse collapsed inward, while the roof collapsed downward, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said at a news conference Saturday.
When did the Amazon building collapse?
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill., Dec 13 (Reuters) – The US workplace safety watchdog is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse of an Amazon.com building during Friday night’s storm. Inc (AMZN. O) in Illinois in which six workers were killed, an official from the US Department of Labor said Monday.
When did tornado hit Amazon warehouse?
On December 10, 2021, an EF-3 tornado struck the warehouse and caused it to collapse, killing six workers who were trying to shelter inside. “All I know is we were trying not to die,” said Deontae Yancey, an Amazon driver who survived the storm.
Where did Amazon warehouse collapse?
Six people were killed last December when a tornado hit the huge Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois. The 11-inch concrete walls collapsed and the 40-foot roof collapsed, destroying a football field section of the 1 million square foot building.
Which Amazon facility burned down?
Amazon was accused Saturday of putting corporate profits before the safety of workers after the partial collapse of a St. Louis-area warehouse caused by a tornado that left at least six people dead.
How did the Amazon warehouse fire start? The solar panel system on the roof of the Amazon warehouse in Cecil County sparked a fire that cost the building about $500,000, according to investigators. The State Fire Marshal’s Office ruled the fire accidental, due to an “unspecified event” related to the solar panel system.
Did the Amazon warehouse in California burn down?
REDLANDS (CBSLA) – A $5,000 reward was offered Friday for information on a suspicious fire that caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to a warehouse housing an Amazon distributor in Redlands. The June 5 fire broke out early in the 600,000-square-foot warehouse at 2255 W. Lugonia Ave.
Did an Amazon warehouse burned down?
Employees said multiple fire trucks responded and staff were evacuated and eventually told to go home. Columbia County officials told News 12 there was a small fire on the second floor. It was contained to that level and quickly died out once crews arrived. There was minimal fire damage and no one was injured.
Is an Amazon warehouse on fire in la?
A fire early Friday destroyed a Southern California distribution facility that was used to ship items to Amazon customers. Authorities said the employees got out and there were no reports of injuries.
What caused the Amazon distribution center fire?
The cause of a fire on the roof of an Amazon warehouse in Perryville, Maryland, has been deemed to be a problem with a solar system on the roof, according to the Susquehanna Hose Co. The State Fire Marshal has ruled the fire was accidental. Nobody was hurt in the incident.
Where is the Amazon building fire?
APPLING, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A small fire disrupted operations Wednesday afternoon at Amazon’s fulfillment center in Appling.
Which Amazon warehouse burned down?
The fire, which caused an estimated $500,000 in damage, is the second such fire on a rooftop solar system to occur at an Amazon facility in as many years. In April 2020, the roof of an Amazon fulfillment center in Fresno, California caught fire after a 20-panel section of the roof caught fire.
Where was the Amazon warehouse fire?
Amazon workers say not everyone was properly alerted as what they thought was smoke filled the third floor at a Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse on Friday, according to a report by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Stores Union (RWDSU) ( via Input).
What Amazon warehouse was hit by the tornado?
Amazon’s downstate Edwardsville facility, where six workers died after a tornado hit the building, appears to have had major structural failures, according to a lawsuit and a government engineer’s report released by the plaintiff’s attorney.
What Amazon building caught on fire?
APPLING, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A small fire disrupted operations Wednesday afternoon at Amazon’s fulfillment center in Appling.
What happened to the Amazon building? 10 after a tornado hit the Edwardsville warehouse. The EF-3 tornado touched down at approximately 8:28 p.m. m. local time with 150 mph winds. The roof of the 1.1-million-square-foot facility collapsed, while the 40-foot-high, 11-inch-thick concrete walls on the sides of the building fell inward.
What caused Amazon warehouse fire?
The cause of a fire on the roof of an Amazon warehouse in Perryville, Maryland, has been deemed to be a problem with a solar system on the roof, according to the Susquehanna Hose Co. The State Fire Marshal has ruled the fire was accidental. Nobody was hurt in the incident.
Why did Amazon building collapse?
Amazon’s downstate Edwardsville facility, where six workers died after a tornado hit the building, appears to have had major structural failures, according to a lawsuit and a government engineer’s report released by the plaintiff’s attorney.
When did Amazon warehouse collapse?
The National Weather Service said a tornado touched down in Edwardsville at approximately 8:35 p.m. local time Friday. Walls on both sides of the warehouse collapsed inward, while the roof collapsed downward, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said at a news conference Saturday.