Ameresco Completes 27-Megawatt Solar Project in DePue, Illinois Village

Ameresco, Inc. has completed the largest solar farm in Bureau County, Illinois, producing 26.3 MW of green energy. Expected to offset 25,947 metric tons of CO2 annually. The project will contribute to Illinois’ 25% renewable energy goal by 2025. The development of this brownfield project started in 2019.

Ameresco is the developer, builder, and owner, bringing emission-free energy to DePue and supporting the community with maintenance services. The solar farm benefits the Village with energy cost savings, permits fees, and increased property tax revenue for Bureau County.

Comprising 65,832 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels strategically mounted on above-ground ballast blocks, the DePue solar farm is projected to generate 37,000 megawatt-hours of clean, emission-free energy during its inaugural year of operation.

“We’re so glad to have seen this important renewable energy project through to completion and commend the Village of DePue and the state of Illinois for their commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Lou Maltezos, Executive Vice President of Ameresco. “We look forward to seeing the economic and environmental benefits of this new solar farm for years to come.”

“I’m so proud that the Village of DePue is now officially on the path toward achieving our clean energy goals and making a tangible environmental impact for our community and the state” added Daniel Hoffert, Village President. “This project epitomizes our commitment to forging a sustainable future while driving economic prosperity for our residents and the region.”