The Peoria Solar Energy Center Project by Ameren Illinois represents a significant step in the state’s transition toward clean energy. Designed to generate 2.5 megawatts of solar power, the facility will provide electricity for about 420 homes and businesses in the Peoria region.
Built on a 37-acre site along Prichard Road in northwest Peoria, the site will feature nearly 5,000 solar panels feeding clean power directly into Ameren Illinois’ distribution grid.
Meeting Growing Energy Demands
Speaking at the groundbreaking on July 31, 2025, Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois, emphasized the project’s importance, noting that as electricity demand continues to outpace supply in Downstate Illinois, local energy developments like the Peoria Solar Energy Center are essential for strengthening grid reliability and reducing costs for customers.
Thanks to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), Ameren Illinois can develop, own, and operate utility-scale solar facilities like this and two others in East St. Louis.
Boosting the Local Economy
The Peoria Solar Energy Center reflects Ameren Illinois’ ongoing efforts to strengthen the regional economy through reliable energy solutions. Over the past seven years, the utility has directed more than $112 million into the Peoria Metro area, funding projects such as transmission upgrades, new substations, and advanced automation systems designed to quickly identify and resolve outages.
The $20 million project will channel over half of its investment to local businesses while also generating 50 construction jobs in the community.
Supporting Illinois’ Clean Energy Future
Governor JB Pritzker’s CEJA legislation, signed in 2021, sets Illinois on a path to 100% clean energy by 2050, with a 50% renewable energy goal by 2040. The new solar energy project directly supports these goals by adding equitable, community-focused power to the region.
Ameren currenty manages several key energy infrastructure projects that will supply clean and reliable energy to distribution grids in Missouri, Illinois and other Midwest states on behalf of Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO).
Illinois’ push toward clean energy and efforts to lower electricity costs received a major boost on September 24, 2025, when SOO Green secured its final Iowa approval, clearing the way for the $3.2 billion underground transmission line. With all Iowa municipalities on board, the focus now shifts to Illinois, where project leaders are urging lawmakers to advance legislation that would enable SOO Green to compete effectively in the energy market.
Project Factsheet
Project Name: Peoria Solar Energy Center
Location: Prichard Road, northwest Peoria, Illinois
Developer: Ameren Illinois
Capacity: 2.5 megawatts (MW)
Homes Powered: Approximately 420 homes and businesses
Number of Panels: Nearly 5,000
Site Size: 37 acres
Project Cost: $20 million
Groundbreaking Date: 2025
Expected Completion: Q3 2026
Key Legislation: Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)
Other Ameren Solar Sites: 2 facilities in East St. Louis, Illinois
