US retail giant Walmart has pledged to generate renewable power through solar panels at 60 of its Californian branches, totaling more than 130 shops by the end of 2013.

Walmart has 8,500 stores in 15 countries, but in the state of California the 130-figure will represent 75% of their stores.

Kim Saylors-Laster, Walmart Vice President of Energy, said: “California presents a great opportunity for Walmart to make significant progress toward our sustainability goals. Walmart has reduced energy expenses by more than a million dollars through our solar program, allowing us to pass these savings on to our customers in the form of everyday low prices.”

Walmart’s total solar commitment in California could avoid producing more than 21,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissionper year, which is the equivalent of taking around 4,100 cars offthe road.