Ameren Illinois has officially broken ground on the Peoria Solar Energy Center Project, marking another milestone in Illinois’ push toward clean energy. This new project will generate 2.5 megawatts of solar power—enough to supply electricity to 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
“With electricity demand outpacing supply in Downstate Illinois, local energy projects like this one are vital to improving grid reliability and lowering costs for our customers,” said Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois.
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 project will support the local economy through construction jobs and long-term economic benefits. Over the last seven years, Ameren Illinois has invested more than $112 million in strengthening the Peoria Metro area’s grid infrastructure.
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).
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
