Why Indiana Is Ideal for Solar Energy

Solar Can Meet Indiana’s Growing Energy Demand  

Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries are creating an unprecedented demand for electricity. New sources of cheap, reliable energy need to be brought online to keep up with the state’s growing economy. Utility-scale solar has certain unique advantages that make it ideal to meet Indiana’s energy challenges.  

Fast to Deploy

Utility-scale solar projects become operational faster than any other type of new energy generation. The ability to quickly add energy capacity is critical to keeping up with growing demand and filling supply gaps.  

Lower Energy Costs  

The cost of solar power has plummeted over the past decade. Research now shows that in a controlled analysis, solar is now a significantly cheaper source of electricity generation than coal, gas, and nuclear.  

Utility bills are rising across the country, but states with the high levels of renewable energy generation have experienced the lowest rate increases – according to a study from the think tank Energy Innovation. The study also found that the biggest factors causing bills to go up include natural gas volatility and dependence on coal.  

Perfect Geography for Solar Projects 

The success of utility-scale solar projects starts with the land itself. Indiana offers several key geographic advantages. 

Surprising Solar Power Potential 

Despite common misconceptions about Midwest sunshine, Indiana packs serious solar potential. While it may not have the year-round intensity of states like Arizona or Nevada, Indiana receives an average of 4.5 peak sun hours per day, which is more than sufficient to make solar energy a key part of the state’s energy mix.  

And even though the sun is a solar energy facility’s closest companion, electricity will still be generated on cloudy days. Just like you can get a sunburn on an overcast day, solar panels will continue to produce electricity during cloudy weather. With advanced technology, solar panels can convert both direct and indirect sunlight into electricity. 

Flat, Open Terrain  

Indiana’s flat terrain makes it an ideal location for large-scale solar projects. The level landscape significantly reduces development costs and accelerates project timelines, which translates into savings that can be passed along to businesses and consumers. 

Agricultural Communities Benefit from Solar 

Indiana is one of America’s most agriculturally abundant states. Hoosier farmers grow enough corn and soybeans to rank top-five nationally in annual production. But much like commodity farming nationwide, Indiana farmers’ profit margins are being squeezed. This is one of many reasons that rural areas are struggling with funding for local schools and essential services.   

Solar power in Indiana can help both landowners and their communities through stable land leases, good-paying jobs, and a completely new source of tax revenue that will provide millions in funding to essential services. 

Diversifying Farmers’ Revenue  

Solar projects provide farmers and landowners a reliable income stream that helps diversify their revenue and support existing farming operations. By leasing acreage to a solar project, family farms can keep ownership of their land for generations to come.  

Improving Soil Health 

Another advantage of solar for Indiana’s agricultural communities is the fact that installations have a limited lifespan. At the end of operations, all equipment is removed and the land is restored to its original condition. In fact, after decades of soil regeneration under the panels, the land often returns to agricultural use in better condition than before. 

Community Economic Benefits 

Beyond benefiting farmers, utility-scale solar projects provide urgently needed economic boosts to rural communities. Solar projects invest massive amounts of money in their local economies, creating hundreds of construction jobs and supporting local businesses and suppliers.  

The scale of these investments often turns solar projects into the largest local taxpayers, which increases funding for local schools and essential services, such as police and fire. While adding significantly to the local economy, solar projects require few municipal services, such as water or sewer. 

Indiana’s Bright Future with Solar Energy 

As Indiana continues to grow, so does its need for affordable, reliable energy. The state’s natural landscape, rich agricultural tradition, and growing economy make it an ideal place to harness the power of utility-scale solar.