Two IKEA stores on the East Coast will have solar panels installed on the roofs once government approval is granted, the company announced.

The projects at the Paramus, New Jersey and Stoughton, Massachusetts stores are scheduled to begin early next year and once they're completed in the Spring, IKEA's U.S. stores with solar panels providing energy will total 13. These two stores will be IKEA's largest solar installations.

"We are excited about this investment by IKEA in using renewable energy on the East Coast to complement our recently announced plans in California," according to IKEA U.S. president Mike Ward.

The Paramus and Stoughton stores were opened in 2003 and 2005, respectively. The Paramus store will have 132,000 square feet of solar paneling that will prevent the emission of 1,072 tons of carbon dioxide. The Stoughton store will have 79,000 square feet of solar paneling that will stop the emission of 574 tons of carbon dioxide.

"This approach is consistent with our commitment to sustainable building practices and reducing our carbon footprint," Ward said. "We always are open to environmental technologies and are thrilled our evaluation deemed these projects feasible for IKEA."