ASSUMPTION, Fig. – A new solar system is expected to offer both economic and environmental benefits in the AGCO facility in Assumption and generate around 20% of its electricity needs.
The solar project was designed and built by SolAmerica Energy. It is located on an 8-hectare site next to the facility where GSI grain storage and conditioning equipment is manufactured. It is a floor-mounted system that rotates to track the sun throughout the day and maximize power generation.
The electricity generated, which is targeted at 3.2 million kilowatt hours in the first year, is expected to lead to considerable savings compared to the current energy costs of the plant. In addition to the economic benefits, the project also provides an environmentally friendly source of clean, renewable energy.
“We are very proud to support the large-scale adoption of solar energy, which will add to global efforts to protect our climate,” said Hans Lehmann, Vice President of AGCO Grain and Protein Americas. “This project also supports AGCO's continued commitment to deliver sustainable, high-tech solutions for farmers who feed the world.”
“SolAmerica is honored to be working with AGCO on this exciting project,” said John Buffington, vice president of business development at SolAmerica. “AGCO approached SolAmerica with the belief that the use of solar energy could add value to the GSI business while also providing tangible support to the company's commitment to environmental sustainability. We applaud AGCO for this vision. “
Buffington said an added benefit of the project is that the area has been planted with wildflowers and native grasses to provide habitat for pollinating species that offer crucial environmental and agricultural benefits.
The AGCO solar system was developed as part of the Illinois Shines Initiative, a government incentive program to encourage the development of new solar energy sources in Illinois.