ST. LOUIS BUSINESS JOURNAL: Missouri among fastest-growing solar markets
By Brian Feldt
Missouri ranks as the 11th fastest-growing state for solar photovoltaics (PV) installations, according to an annual report published by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
The state installed 73 megawatts (MW) of solar electric capacity in 2014, just behind New Mexico (10th on the list with 88 MW installed) and ahead of Maryland (12th on the list with 73 MW installed).
Nearly $190 million was invested in solar installations in the state last year, up 63 percent over 2013, thanks to several local solar projects, including a 5.7 MW O’Fallon Renewable Energy Center by MC Industrial, a project that generates enough electric capacity to power more than 600 homes, and a 25 kilowatt solar capacity system in Bridgeton by Anheuser-Busch.
Nationwide, more than 6,200 MW of solar PV was installed in 2014, up 30 percent from 2013. The SEIA forecasts that PV installations will reach 8.1 gigawatts (GWdc) in 2015, up 31 percent over 2014, with the most rapid growth coming in the residential market.
According to the SEIA, there are nearly 100 solar companies at work throughout the state, employing 2,500 people.
Those local companies include MicroGrid Solar, SunEdison and Ameren.
Microgrid in 2014 finished work on solar installations at the St. Peters Goodwill store and the new Park Avenue Coffee on The Hill.
SunEdison has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in solar projects, mostly outside the St. Louis market.
