Solar energy is shifting from a novel idea in Minnesota to a growing energy option for utilities, businesses and residents. In 2010, District Energy St. Paul launched the Midwest's largest solar project on the roof of the local convention center, the Saint Paul RiverCentre. The 144 collector system became operational in March 2011, and is estimated to produce 1 megawatt (MW) peak thermal energy. This showcase project will lower the carbon footprint for the system by an estimated 900,000 lbs per year. Although this type of solar thermal integration is commonplace in Europe, this installation will be the first solar district energy system in the United States. This groundbreaking installation fulfills the company's historic solar aspirations and moves our utility one step closer to 100% renewable energy sources.
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机译：太阳能正在从明尼苏达州的一个新想法转变为公用事业，企业和居民日益增长的能源选择。 2010年，圣保罗地区能源局在当地会议中心Saint Paul RiverCentre的屋顶上启动了中西部最大的太阳能项目。 144集热系统于2011年3月投入运行，估计可产生1兆瓦（MW）的峰值热能。这个示范项目将使系统的碳足迹估计每年减少900,000磅。尽管这种类型的太阳能热集成在欧洲很普遍，但该装置将成为美国第一个太阳能区域能源系统。这项突破性的安装满足了公司历史悠久的太阳能愿望，使我们的公用事业更靠近100％可再生能源。
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