188-MW Solar Project by Lightsource BP and AEP Energy Kicks Off in Indiana

• Lightsource bp and AEP Energy Partners have signed a PPA for a 188-MWDC solar project located in New Carlisle, Indiana. This project will bring economic and environmental benefits to the region while fostering community partnerships.

What happened?

Lightsource bp and AEP Energy Partners recently signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a 188-MWDC solar project located in New Carlisle, Indiana. The project, which is expected to be completed in 2024, will be financed, built, owned and operated by Lightsource bp and will generate solar energy which will be sold to AEP Energy Partners. South Bend-based Inovateus Solar has been chosen as the construction contractor for the facility, with a focus on using local labor for the mechanical, electrical and civil work on site. 

Why does it matter?

This project will bring multiple benefits to the local community, including the creation of approximately 200 direct construction jobs, primarily local, in addition to hundreds of U.S. jobs across the supply chain. It will also support domestic manufacturers and low carbon products, with ultra-low carbon solar panels from First Solar, smart solar trackers from Array Technologies and steel from Nucor. Additionally, it will bring $250 million of new, privately funded renewable energy infrastructure to Indiana, provide an estimated $30 million boost to the local community over the project life, and deliver a $3 million economic development payment to St. Joseph County. 

What's next?

Lightsource bp and AEPEP have a common mission to deliver affordable, reliable electricity to communities, while protecting the environment. As part of their Responsible Solar approach, an action plan is underway for the Honeysuckle Solar project to achieve biodiversity net gains and foster pollinator habitat. The goal is to build multiuse solar projects on which clean energy generation, agriculture, habitat and biodiversity enhancement share the land under and around the solar panels.