Company pursues solar electric projects in Merrillville, Hobart

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Updated: February 27, 2012 9:49AM

Lincoln Solar LLC has received Merrillville Town Council approval to operate a solar electric-generating facility on Grand Boulevard and now has its sights set on acreage in Hobart for a similar project.

Hobart City Planner A.J. Bytnar said Wednesday he anticipates a formal application from the Minnesota-based company on Thursday, and for the proposed project to be on the Feb. 2 Plan Commission agenda.

Bytnar said the company is looking at a 50-acre parcel on 49th Avenue, about 7 to 10 acres of which would be used to house the panels.

Lincoln Solar LLC will install more than 6,800 solar panels on 20 acres south of 8520 Grand Blvd. in Merrillville, which will provide enough power for at least 200 homes. Project manager Chris Little said the company has an agreement with Northern Indiana Public Service Co. to sell the power it generates to the utility.

Little said about $6 million is being invested in the project.

He said the panels are similar to those on houses and businesses, but are mounted on the ground. He said there would be no significant noise or odor as a result of the panels.

Little said about 25 people will be employed during the construction stage, and one person would be employed full-time afterward.

Little said the company would donate a wooden fence to the nearby Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church to shield its view of the panels, although Zoning Director Dorinda Gregor pointed out the fence may need a variance.

“It’s not very often that we get a $6 million project in town that’s clean and energy-producing and creates jobs for nine months. I think if they’re willing to help the church, we’re willing to get them a variance,” council president Shawn Pettit, D-6th, said.

The Merrillville Town Council approved the proposal on Tuesday.

The company was told the grass must be no higher than 8-inches tall and the plan still has to go before the Environmental Committee, which will probably ask for a buffer zone of native trees. Lincoln Solar LLC also had asked for a tax abatement during an Economic Development Commission meeting prior to the council meeting, but no action was taken.

Tim Young, a consultant with Lincoln Solar, said a tax abatement would enhance the company’s ability to finance the project.

Brad Wilson, also a project manager with Lincoln Solar, said Wednesday the company is looking at operating a similar, but smaller, facility in Hobart. He said he couldn’t get into specifics because the company had not made its formal application as yet.

Wilson would not comment on whether it is looking at any other properties in Northwest Indiana, which he had said is an ideal location for this type of project.

Bytnar said the company will have a consultation with the Hobart Plan Commission concerning the project, which would be called Hobart Solar LLC, on Feb. 2. He said, however, the commission needs to amend its comprehensive plan to include renewable energy as a permitted use before voting on the solar project.

“Amending the comprehensive plan serves two purposes. One, it needs to be updated. Two, there is a glaring need for renewable energy,” Bytnar said.

Bytnar said he wants something in the books so companies don’t have to seek a variance whenever they want to do an energy-related project. He said the plan would include just wind turbines and solar for now, which the city has the most inquiries for, but he would like to eventually address geothermal, electric cars and other alternative-energy sources.