Ameren Missouri to build third solar facility as part of Community Solar program expansion
Faced with demand for more solar energy offerings that have risen to more than 4,700 customers in its service area, Ameren Missouri this week announced plans to build a new facility west of St. Louis to expand its Community Solar program by 7 MW.
It would be the third facility built for the program, which allows customers to choose as much of their energy usage to be sourced from dedicated community solar facilities as they desire. Like any utility facility, it will be subject to approval by the Missouri Public Service Commission, but Ameren Missouri noted that if approved, it could begin construction as early as early next year and enter service sometime in 2026.
“Customers continue to find the Community Solar program an easy way to grow their use of renewable energy, without having to install or maintain a single solar panel at their home,” Greg Lovett, program manager for Community Solar at Ameren Missouri, said. “While we’re meeting the subscriber’s needs, all customers will benefit from the increase in renewable energy and reduced emissions.”
The facility would be built in New Florence, Missouri, and in addition to the specific program plans, it would also benefit Ameren Missouri’s plans to add 2,800 MW of renewable generation by 2030. In March, regulators cleared it to build or acquire solar projects capable of generating power by 2026, with the ultimate aim of providing enough power for approximately 73,000 homes – about 400 MW.
Already, Ameren Missouri reported that the New Florence Community Solar Center is more than 80 percent subscribed, so demand continues at full pace. Other Community Solar projects went into service at St. Louis Lambert International Airport in 2019 and in Montgomery, Missouri in 2022.
