The first community solar project in Illinois, integrated with battery energy storage systems in the Ameren Illinois region, is now live. Similar projects have recently been launched in the ComEd region.

The 6.9 MW Beardstown Solar Project, located in Beardstown, Illinois, is paired with an 11.9 MWh energy storage system owned by Equity Solar Illinois (ESI). The project was jointly developed and designed by project developer US Solar and battery integrator Eneon-ES.

"Beard Solar underscores the importance of energy storage in modernizing our energy grid and expanding the benefits of clean energy," said Rena Henderson Mason, Director of ESI. "This project reflects ESI's commitment to combining clean energy development with community impact to build a grid that serves everyone.". ”

Beard Solar will enable subscribers like local small businesses to reduce their energy costs and provide additional tax revenue to local taxing authorities. For example, the Beardstown Community Unit School District 15 will receive approximately $205,000 in tax revenue over the project's lifecycle (approximately 20 years).

"We are proud to contribute to the first clean energy project in the Ameren Illinois region," said Huang Lu, Chief Technology Officer of Eneon. "By combining solar energy with energy storage, this project provides reliable and dispatchable power and enhances the grid resilience of the Illinois community."