Associated Press - December 1, 2009 2:24 PM ET

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Ameren Corp. says it will build solar energy systems in Missouri and Illinois to explore how best to use the sun to generate electricity.

1 of the solar demonstration projects is planned for the company's St. Louis headquarters. The other will be built at a site to be determined in Illinois.

Ameren president Thomas Voss and others outlined the plan Tuesday in St. Louis.

Kansas City engineering firm Burns & McDonnell will design the projects, which will be evaluated for efficiency and effectiveness. Once the systems are running late next year, Ameren will share its findings online with customers who may be considering installing their own solar energy systems.

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