Clayton Will Soon Have Largest Solar Panels Array in Missouri

An array of 327 solar panels will soon be attached to an elevated canopy of steel behind Clayton’s new police station. The array will be the largest in the Missouri.

U.S. Congressman Russ Carnahan, Department of Natural Resources Director Sara Pauley and Mayor Linda Goldstein were among those who were elevated on a lift to ceremoniously affix the first panel on Tuesday morning. The circa 1952 Heritage Building will be rehabbed to become the new station, as part of the project.

The 327 solar panels will sit atop the steel trellis to preserve roughly 50 parking spaces while simultaneously reducing the heat island.

“Today is indicative that we have no shortage of solar rays here in the St. Louis area,” Goldstein said jokingly.

“The city has a reputation nationally for stepping up to the plate, being energy efficient, promoting sustainable energy practices,” Carnahan said. “We’re going to see that example followed more and more around the country, and frankly, you’ve been a great example for Washington.”

The new Clayton police headquarters will get a $1.2 million gut rehab, including all new windows, new high-efficiency heating and cooling system, and new utility services.

Project facts:

• Clayton will recoup $100,000 of the project cost from Ameren Missouri’s solar rebate program.
• The project will save Clayton $191,000 annually in energy costs.
• The 160.23 kilowatt system will produce 204,513 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually – enough to power approximately 19 homes.
• By generating this electricity from solar panels instead of fossil fuels, Clayton will offset the CO2 emissions of 28 automobiles each year, an aspect of the renovation that will contribute to the building’s anticipated LEED Silver Certification.