Ameren Corp. will build solar energy systems in Missouri and Illinois to explore how best to use the sun to generate electricity, the St. Louis-based utility said.
Ameren plans a solar demonstration project at its St. Louis headquarters, and another at a site to be determined in Illinois.
The electric company tapped Kansas City engineering firm Burns & McDonnell to design the projects, which it will evaluate for efficiency and effectiveness. At least three different technologies will be used and tested.
Once the systems are running late next year, Ameren will share its findings online with customers who may be considering installing their own solar energy systems.
Ameren currently has no solar projects, although it is working with wind, methane and other alternatives to fossil fuels. It is under mandates in both states to have part of its energy portfolio in renewable energy.
Ameren president Thomas Voss said the company has been evaluating solar energy for its headquarters for years, and tracking technological developments. Costs of solar power installations have dropped significantly, which helped prompt the timing of the decision announced Tuesday.
Ameren’s solar installations should generate from 25 to 550 kilowatts of power. (AP)
