Ameresco, a cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced the completion of its 26.3 MW solar farm in DePue, Illinois. This project – the largest solar farm of its kind in Bureau County – will serve to significantly advance the state’s goal of reaching 25% renewable energy by 2050.
The DePue solar farm includes 65,832 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels strategically installed on above-ground ballast blocks, which are estimated to produce 37,000 MWh of emission-free energy during its first year of operation.
The solar farm is projected to offset 25,947 metric tons of CO2 annually – the equivalent of taking 5,509 passenger vehicles off the road each year or powering 3,280 homes annually. As the facility’s owner and operator, Ameresco will remain in the community to provide maintenance and support services for the facility's entire life.
“I’m so proud that the Village of DePue is now officially on the path toward achieving our clean energy goals and making a tangible environmental impact for our community and the state,” said Daniel Hoffert, Village President. “This project epitomizes our commitment to forging a sustainable future while driving economic prosperity for our residents and the region.”
With the project now completed, the Village will benefit from a portion of the generated energy for facility usage, resulting in significant annual energy cost savings, in addition to permitting fees collected throughout the site’s development process. Bureau County will also collect increased property tax revenue from the completed project.
