Rendering of the solar farm at St. Elmo, IL Conagra facility
Conagra Brands, Inc. entered into a 15-year service agreement with SolAmerica Energy to place eight acres of solar panels on the company’s St. Elmo, Ill. facility property. The energy generated by the photovoltaic array will be equivalent to the amount needed to produce approximately 35 percent of all Wish-Bone salad dressings as well as Log Cabin and Mrs. Butterworth’s syrups which are produced at the facility.
The 2 megawatt system is being developed under the Illinois Shines initiative, a state-administered incentive program supporting the development of new solar energy generation in Illinois. Under the program, the Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from the system will be purchased by Ameren Illinois.
Work on the project is set to begin this winter with completion slated for Spring 2020.
“At Conagra Brands, we strive to be mindful of our impact on the environment,” said Katya Hantel, director of sustainable development for Conagra Brands. “Exploring renewable energy technologies is just one of the many ways the company is investing in a more sustainable future.”
The project is being developed and installed by SolAmerica Energy, an Approved Vendor under the Illinois Shines program.
“SolAmerica is excited to partner with Conagra Brands to help bring large-scale renewable energy to Illinois,” said Stan Allen, Chief Executive Officer for SolAmerica Energy. “Our shared desire to pursue a project that would be both financially and environmentally beneficial was a recipe for success in bringing the deal together.”
As part of its broader commitment to environmental leadership, Conagra Brands is also exploring renewable energy technologies at other facilities within its network.
— Solar Builder magazine
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