Sol Systems developing solar project for Illinois wastewater company

Wastewater treatment company Illinois American Water is working with Sol Systems to develop two solar fields on its property in Champaign and Peoria, Illinois. The arrays will be the largest of their kind within American Water’s nationwide footprint.

Both systems will be rated at 2 MW and, combined, will help the company save over $200,000 in annual energy costs. In addition, an anticipated 20 jobs will be created during construction. Sol Systems will partner with local union contractors to complete the work.

“This is a really exciting project because of its multi-faceted impact to the communities we serve,” said Brent O’Neill, director of engineering for Illinois American Water. “Not only are we supporting local jobs and reducing operational costs which benefit our customers, but we are also reducing our environmental footprint.

He added that solar energy is not new to Illinois American Water. Solar panels attached to an operations building in the Peoria District help to keep equipment batteries charged in inclement weather. Solar is also used at the company’s Corporate office and Metro East operations in southern Illinois.

Sol Systems will access Ameren Illinois and Illinois Power Agency energy rebates to help reduce the overall cost of the project. Construction on the solar fields should be completed by April 2021.

News item from Illinois American Water

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/08/sol-systems-developing-solar-project-for-illinois-wastewater-company/