Solar

Solar

Diversifying the energy portfolio of Northwest Indiana with renewables has many potential economic and environmental benefits for the region.  One potentially untapped resource is solar.  Northwest Indiana has significant potential for solar energy development, 25 – 50% more than Germany, which is the world leader in solar electricity generation. Solar manufacturing and installation has already created over one hundred jobs in Northwest Indiana. This page contains general information on how Solar Photovoltaics (Solar PV) work, information for residents considering solar, and guidance for communities looking to improve their solar readiness and encourage solar development.

NIRPC has developed this website and materials through a Department of Energy Sunshot Initiative Grant in partnership with the National Association of Regional Councils and nine other Councils of Government around the county.

Solar for Residents

• Solar FAQs for Residents
• 7 Myths about Solar Development
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Overview

Solar for Local Governments

• The Case for Solar
• Solar 101
• Solar best management practices
  • Permitting and Inspecting
    • Just the Basics: Solar Permitting Checklist
    • Regulating Solar Installers in NWI
    • Model Permit Application Form
    • Model Inspector’s Checklist for Rooftop PV
    • Solar Ready Construction Checklist
  • Education and Finance
    • Model Purchase Agreements

 Links

• • • • Southern Indiana Renewable Energy Network (SIREN)
      • Purdue University 2014 Indiana renewable Energy Resources Study
      • Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
      • National Association of Regional Councils Solar Ready II (NARC)
      • US Department of Energy Solar Powering America by Recognizing Communities (SPARC)
      • International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)