SolarAmerenInitiative

Solar

Ameren takes a look at solar power systems

	Ameren has launched an initiative to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiencies of solar power systems in the bi-state area. This is the first step in what will lead to the installation of solar energy systems on company facilities in St. Louis, Mo., and in Illinois. The company is also planning to offer commercial and residential customers rebates on new solar installations.
How Solar Panels Work
	Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels installed on rooftops contain sunlight-absorbing semiconductors, such as silicon. When sunlight strikes the cell, energy is absorbed and converted into electrons, which flow as direct current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity transfers to an inverter within the panel. The inverter transforms the DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity – powering the connected electrical circuit system. View the animation on the locations and systems being considered for Ameren’s St. Louis headquarters facility: Solar Installation Animation
Benefits of Solar Energy
	-	It has FREE fuel – the sun!
	-	Photovoltaic Panels are long-lasting. With no moving parts, panels require little maintenance.
	-	Solar power can be used anywhere.
	-	Panels create no noise.
	-	Solar power often is available during times when demand for electricity is at its highest.
	-	Solar energy is green – good for the environment because it does not emit any gases.
Securing the Region's Energy Future
	Ameren companies are taking a number of steps to encourage not only more efficient use of energy but also the development of renewable energy resources. Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, in Missouri, the company is offering a rebate of $2 per watt up to 25 kilowatts or a maximum of $50,000 for qualified new installations (post 1/1/2010) of solar electric systems on residential and commercial properties. Ameren Illinois Utilities purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) through a bidding process managed by a state purchasing authority – the most recent bidding resulted in the purchase of 720,000 RECs for the 12-month period beginning June 1, 2009. AmerenUE recently agreed to buy 102 megawatts of wind power for its Missouri customers. The company also sponsors performances by The National Theatre for Children (NTC), which through live theater delivers important messages about energy conservation and renewable energy to hundreds of schools throughout the region. In September 2009, AmerenUE announced an agreement with Fred Weber, Inc., that includes plans to install combustion turbines capable of generating electricity by burning methane gas at Fred Weber’s Maryland Heights, Mo., solid waste landfill. Expected to be operational in 2011, the Methane to Megawatts project will be the largest landfill gas-electric plant in Missouri and among the largest landfill generation plants in the country in terms of generating capacity, producing enough electricity to meet the demands of about 10,000 homes. AmerenUE also offers a program for customers who are interested in supporting additional development of renewable energy resources – AmerenUE Pure Power™ which was launched in 2007. This award-winning, voluntary REC program for Missouri residential and business customers allows residential customers to voluntarily pay more on their energy bills to purchase RECs to encourage development of renewable resources.