Hoosier Solar Permits 410 Megawatts of Solar Farms in Starke County
Read about this important announcement in Inside INdiana Business, The Times of Northwest Indiana, and NewsBreak.
Hoosier Solar has successfully permitted 410 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar energy projects in Starke County, Indiana.
The two project sites, named North Bend and Starke Central, will be respectively located east of Bass Lake and northeast of Knox in Northwest Indiana. With a total of over 2,500 acres between the solar farms, including 16 participating landowners and 21 participating neighbors, the Hoosier Solar projects have the combined capacity to power over 53,000 homes located nearby.
Through the approved Economic Development Agreements (EDA), the solar farms will bring over $1 Million in additional economic benefits to Starke County annually, which could revitalize County infrastructure and be used to otherwise benefit the County and its residents. Hoosier Solar has included an additional $150,000 to support EMS/Fire as the County sees fit. Furthermore, the economic impact analyses for these projects show they lower property taxes for the entire community by $285,500 annually.
Hoosier Solar has worked diligently to engage with the Starke County community, participating in dialogue with residents and County leaders alike to ensure the projects are responsibly sited and to make truly meaningful investments in community programs.
In April 2024, Hoosier Solar established the permanent Hoosier Solar Community Fund with the Starke County Community Foundation. The investment of $105,000 will provide annual scholarships and donations, at the direction of the Community Foundation Board, to serve the community’s greatest needs. Additionally, Hoosier Solar contributed $58,000 to reconstruct the swine barn at the Starke County 4H Fairgrounds to provide permanent support to the future of the local agricultural community. Furthermore, Hoosier Solar has donated $134,000 to various local initiatives, including the Community Services of Starke County, the Starke County Youth Club, and the Cheryl Lyn Welter Family Charitable Foundation, as well as supporting numerous organizations, festivals, and parades.
Starke County landowners participating in the Hoosier Solar projects have also voiced their enthusiasm for the long-term benefits these projects bring to their properties, families and the wider community.
“Our family has been farming in this community for generations,” said Linda Bell. “My husband and I not only wanted to create a pathway to keep our land in the family for the next generation, but we also believe in the benefits to the greater community that solar technology can provide now and into the future. The Hoosier Solar team has been a pleasure to work with as they develop our land into a project that aligns with our vision and truly supports the entire community.”
“Growing up in Starke County, I know firsthand how significant Hoosier Solar’s projects will be in our community,” said Mike Pacilio. “I am excited that my land will contribute to strengthening our local economy and powering our homes with reliable renewable energy.”
“Our Starke County projects will generate positive economic impact that will benefit the entire County and will deliver clean, American-made energy into Indiana’s rapidly expanding grid,” said Hoosier Solar CEO, Steven Lichtin. “We look forward to continuing to act as good neighbors and are grateful for the support our projects have received from residents and County officials.”