Solar for a Strong Indiana is an effort by EDF Renewables to mobilize supporters of solar in Indiana. Our aim is to empower citizens to engage with public officials and their neighbors about the benefits of solar development, and to help combat the increasing amount of disinformation being spread about solar.

Utility-scale solar development can bring a wide array of benefits to the Hoosier State.

Community Economic Benefits

Solar facilities provide long-term tax revenue to the local county, create hundreds of local construction jobs and produce low-cost clean power that can be a great economic development draw. The tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue greatly supports the local school system and other community needs while requiring little to no county services in return. In addition, the annual lease payments provide a stable, guaranteed revenue stream to support local landowners.

Specifically, Paddlefish Solar will generate:

• $90+ million in stable, long-term revenue for schools and local services in Wells and Huntington Counties.
• $5+ million in indirect economic benefits, including food, lodging, fuel, gravel, seed mixes, hardware and other supplies purchased locally by construction and site teams.
• $550,000 in electricity credit to the adjacent neighbors to partially offset 15 years of electricity costs.
• 350+ local construction jobs.

Agricultural and Land Use Benefits

Solar farms are low-impact land uses that can safely operate next to neighboring agricultural operations. Natural ground cover under and between the rows of panels allows the soil to rest and rebuild nutrients. Sheep can be used for ground maintenance on the site. At the end of the solar farm’s useful life, the pilings and equipment can be easily removed, solar panels will be recycled, and the land returned to its original state. Natural ground cover under and between the rows of panels allows the soil to rest and rebuild nutrients for 20+ years, leaving the land in a far better state and allowing the respective landowner to return to agriculture if desired. Additionally, solar projects provide landowners with stable revenue, which allows them to diversify their income, support continued agricultural operations, and prevent other permanent uses of the land such as residential and clustered development.

Environmental Benefits

Solar power facilities provide many environmental benefits in the reduction of pollutants into the local atmosphere. Paddlefish Solar will remove over 207 tons of sulfur dioxide and over 236 tons of nitrogen oxide each year. That is:

• The equivalent of ~129,000 gallons of gasoline eliminated.
• The equivalent of ~150 passenger vehicles removed from our roads.
• The equivalent of ~18,000 light bulbs eliminated per year.

Additionally, planting of pollinator friendly ground cover creates new habitats for wildlife.

National Security Benefits

The clean electricity generated by utility-scale solar using American-made panels allows us to rely less on foreign sources and enhances our national security.