1. What is Community Solar?
Community solar allows families, businesses and organizations to subscribe to a portion of solar energy produced by a shared solar facility. This model provides credits on utility bills based on the amount of energy generated. Importantly, community solar is funded through private capital, not ratepayer dollars, aligning with Indiana’s energy policy goals, such as reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability.
2. Who Can Participate?
Community solar is inclusive, allowing a wide range of Hoosiers to participate. Homeowners, renters, low-income families, small businesses, schools, farms and even local governments can join. This inclusivity makes it accessible to traditionally underserved populations, offering broader access to solar energy benefits.
3. Energy Freedom and Economic Growth
Community solar empowers Hoosiers with energy freedom—allowing consumers to choose how they get their power. It also fuels economic growth. The solar industry is booming, and Indiana is expected to see a nearly 30% increase in clean energy jobs over the next five years. Community solar opens new opportunities for businesses and residents while strengthening the state’s economy.
4. A Solution for Landowners and Brownfields
Community solar presents exciting opportunities for farmers and landowners. Farmers can lease their land for solar development, diversifying their income. Additionally, community solar can be installed on brownfields or other hard-to-repurpose land, making it a flexible solution for common property-related challenges.
5. Energy Resiliency and Local Benefits
By producing energy locally, community solar reduces Indiana’s reliance on out-of-state or foreign energy sources, enhancing the state’s energy resiliency. This means lower energy costs and greater grid stability. Furthermore, the program promotes participation from excluded communities, creating environmental and economic benefits right here in Indiana.
Community solar is a powerful tool to drive clean energy, economic growth, and inclusivity in Indiana.