Ameren Corp. and its utility companies in Illinois and Missouri have launched a major solar energy initiative that will span both states.
As a first step, the corporation will install solar energy systems at its downtown St. Louis headquarters campus, and Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) will install solar systems at one of its facilities in Illinois.
Global engineering firm Burns & McDonnell, which has offices in Chesterfield, Mo., has been chosen to develop a conceptual design for the solar demonstration projects.
‘At these sites, we will be able to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiencies of specific types of solar systems in this region,’ says Thomas R. Voss, president and CEO of Ameren. ‘After the systems become operational, we will begin offering a range of online information about our findings from the project – information that should help customers in their own evaluations of different types of solar systems.’
This project will be developed in stages, beginning with solar installations on the roof and/or grounds of two Ameren campuses. The generating capacities for Ameren's solar installations will range between 25 kW and 550 kW. Project designs should be completed by mid-April, with the first phase of installation completed by fall 2010.
SOURCE: Ameren Corp.
