Solar power across the grid
Cat® Solar Demonstration Project Powers in Bulk
Requiring collective power for 32 independent municipal electric systems, the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) in Rantoul, IL sought out a way to differentiate its power generation for the various entities. The IMEA concluded that a solar demonstration project would provide the benefits of renewable energy and implementing solar power would help spread the word of its advantageous nature.
Cat® dealer Altorfer assisted by installing a 1000 kW solar photovoltaic system and began a two-decade power agreement with IMEA. Using advanced solar modules, this system is an improvement over silicon solar panels, providing reliable energy in all climates and applications. The system also includes the Cat microgrid master controller (MMC) for live data collection and communication that can be remotely monitored and analyzed.
Within the first year, the solar panel demonstration project yielded astonishing results, producing 1.65 million kWh of electricity, enough to power 145 homes. “Apart from the financial and environmental benefits of operating a solar facility, turning a vacant property into a productive community asset was an added bonus for this project,” said Kevin Gaden, president and chief executive officer of the IMEA. “We are learning a great deal from this demonstration site, and we would welcome an expansion in the future.”