Solar is benefiting the Hoosier state and unlocking new possibilities statewide.

2,477 MW total solar capacity powering Indiana

$12 billion in capital investment by clean energy companies

12,000 jobs in clean energy

$40.2 million invested annually in communities through property, state, and local taxes paid by clean energy projects

$35.1 million extra income for farmers, ranchers, and other landowners who partner with clean energy projects

HOOSIERS SUPPORT SOLAR

Jeanne

Huntington County, Indiana

“It is imperative that land owners have the right to use their land as they wish to! Agriculture is increasingly difficult to make profits to support a multi family farm operation. It gives land owners a way to diversify and make land equitable!”

Matt

Huntington County, Indiana

“Integrating renewable energy into our current energy infrastructure is crucial. I fully support opportunities for individuals and businesses to use solar energy to meet our local energy needs, and I encourage those who are hesitant to be made aware of and read scientific and factual information regarding the pros and cons of solar energy.”

Jonathan

Wells County, Indiana

“Energy demand is rising fast (AI, EVs). Decentralization of the grid will make it more resilient. Solar is less expensive and better for the environment than burning fossil fuels. If a farmer wants solar on their land, who are we to tell them they can’t?”

Solar Benefits & More

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.

For example, Paddlefish Solar in Wells County and Huntington County, Indiana will generate:

$90+ million in stable, long-term revenue for schools and local services in Wells and Huntington Counties.
$20M+ in anticipated local spending during construction, including food, lodging, fuel, gravel, seed mixes, hardware and other supplies purchased locally by construction and site teams.
$500,000+ in electricity bill credits for adjacent project neighbors.
350+ jobs supported during two-year construction period.

Environmental Benefits

Solar power facilities provide many environmental benefits in the reduction of pollutants into the local atmosphere.
For example, Paddlefish Solar in Indiana 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.

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.

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. A stable, domestic energy supply shields the U.S. from potential supply chain disruptions and geopolitical threats. Utility-scale solar projects also support domestic jobs and innovation, helping to ensure a stable energy future for all Americans.