Mayor Joe Hogsett, Community Partners Announce First Solar Panel Installation From Pilot Project

Several low- and moderate-income Indianapolis homeowners will benefit from energy independence

INDIANAPOLIS -- Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett joined the Indianapolis Office of Sustainability and Solar United Neighbors (SUN) at the first home installation of solar panels to result from a public-nonprofit partnership that kicked off last year. This morning's installation near the Hillside neighborhood is one of five taking place this year across the city. Photos from the event are included below.

The program, which is part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge, helps eligible homeowners go solar and make energy efficiency upgrades on their own homes free of charge. It is the first of its kind in the Midwest.

"This pilot program promotes an inclusive vision of Indy's clean energy future," said Mayor Hogsett. "While helping homeowners of varying income levels achieve energy independence, the solar panels will also sharply reduce monthly energy bills and support good-paying jobs in the rooftop solar industry."

Homeowners applied for the program under a partnership between SUN and the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership. Indianapolis homeowners with roofs that are ideal for solar were eligible to receive grant funding through the program if they were at or below 80 percent of the area median income--up to $63,900 for a family of four. Much of the success of the program can be attributed to contributions from Energy Foundation and critical additional support provided by the Kheprw Institute.

The installations continue work towards accomplishing action items outlined in Thrive Indianapolis, the first sustainability plan in the city's history.

"This project shows how the benefits of solar energy can be accessible to all," said Zach Schalk, Indiana program director for SUN, a national nonprofit working to help people go solar and fight for their energy rights. "Our partnership made it possible to build on growing support for solar, and we look forward to continuing the effort."

This first round of installations is part of a larger solar co-op effort in Indianapolis, led by SUN. The program is still seeking contributions for additional installations--both from individuals via a crowdsourcing campaign and from grant-making organizations interested in the sustainability of the Indianapolis community.

"I'm thrilled to own a rooftop solar system," said Carmela Thomas, one of the homeowners receiving grant funding to complete solar installations as part of the pilot program. "Without the help from the City of Indianapolis and Solar United Neighbors, I would have never been able to start generating my own solar power. I can't wait for my solar panels to turn on and start saving me money each month on my electric bill."

Homeowners will also receive the associated financial benefits of solar, including a 26 percent federal income tax credit, solar renewable energy credits, increased property value and renewable energy property tax exclusion and solar electricity production.

The installations will be completed by Jefferson Electric, a local company that was selected by the co-op members. Community partners include Kheprw Institute, Energy Foundation, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, Solarize Indiana, Indiana State Conference of the NAACP, Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light, Earth Charter Indiana, Hoosier Environmental Council, Hoosier Electric Vehicle Association, and Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter.