Malden Solar in a Nutshell
The Malden Solar project is an innovative solar project proposed for Porter County, Indiana that will have a capacity of up to 200 megawatts of clean, renewable, American-made solar energy.
Employment Opportunities
Up to 250 jobs to construct the project and 2-3 full-time positions are created for the entire 30-year life of the project.
Project Investment
NextEra plans to invest $300 million for a 200-megawatt facility. That’s the equivalent of powering about 57,000 homes.
Community Improvements
Malden Solar would generate about $30 million in tax revenue over the project lifetime for Porter County community improvements:
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The solar panels would be set up on land between Ind. 49 and Smoke Road south of County Road 150 South. Eight property owners have already signed leases; one or two are still interested, Johnson said.
Bifacial solar panels can capture sunlight on the front and back. Traditional opaque panels capture sunlight on one side.
With the solar panels in place, the soil will have a 30-year rest from farming.
Construction would likely begin in spring 2024. The project will require necessary permits from the county.
A bond would be posted to ensure that the site is decommissioned properly regardless of NextEra Energy’s financial situation, Johnson said. When the 30-year period is up, the site could continue to be used for a solar installation if the landowners are OK with renewing the lease and if new permits could be obtained.
The solar panels at Malden would be monitored 24/7, Johnson said. Any damaged panels would be replaced the next day. Panels could be shifted so they would let snow and ice slide off during heavy winter storms.