Hamilton County Reporter

The Hamilton County Commissioners on Monday broke ground on a three-acre solar field that will power the county’s health department and correctional facility.

Upon completion, the solar project – the largest of its kind in Indiana – will consist of 9,300 solar panels located on the east side of State Road 37 just north of State Road 32, and on the rooftop of the jail.

The project is expected to provide a cost saving of $13 million in 25 years. The project will also serve as an educational piece for Ivy Tech students that will monitor electrical use and energy savings.

In addition to the solar project, the county has implemented other energy savings programs, including installing LED bulbs which have already earned the county $90 thousand in rebates from Duke Energy.

Construction of the solar project is expected to be complete in June.

Sheriff Mark Bowen signs the back of a solar panel that will provide electricity to Bowen’s jail and correctional facilities. (Photo provided)