Oglesby's Solar Array Up and Running

Oglesby’s new renewable-energy project is in place and the ribbon’s been cut at the solar-array area behind the fire station.

The project has taken about seven years from idea to completion. Oglesby’s array is made up of several long structures of solar panels. This project is one of nine around Illinois, and the city is one of 32 communities taking part in IMEA. The Oglesby project is a 500-kilowatt-generating site. It’s expected to produce almost 700 Megawatt Hours in its first year of production. That is enough power to supply about 70 homes. Princeton is home to a one-megawatt IMEA project.

Kevin Gaden is the President and CEO of IMEA. He said that IMEA is going to be able to reduce energy costs in about 10 years, when he expects to be free of all bond debt for the nine projects.

State Senator Sue Rezin told those gathered that IMEA has taken seriously the State of Illinois’ renewable energy goals.

State Rep. Murri Briel said that IMEA’s portfolio helps communities enjoy more secure and sustainable energy.

Oglesby Mayor Jason Curran said that the solar array certainly won’t address all future energy issues, but it’s part of the solution, to get to a hundred-percent renewable energy.

Former Oglesby Mayor Dom Rivara noted the tremendous amount of work that’s gone into the project and thanked everyone for getting it over the finish line.

You can see more about Oglesby’s new project and how much energy it’s producing by clicking here.