Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
WASHINGTON – City officials from Washington and representatives from the Indiana Municipal Power Agency celebrated the completion of Washington’s second solar park Nov. 9.
The Washington 2 Solar Park is rated at 9.9 megawatts and can produce an annual amount of energy to power about 1,980 homes. Construction began in May 2022.
The park is located on about 57 acres and consists of 28,224 solar panels. The panels are mounted on a single axis tracking system, allowing them to tilt throughout the day to follow the sun’s path. The new park is located at 1844 W. 150 N.
Mayor David Rhoads called it “a great project,” and commended IMPA for its investment in the city.
Washington also partnered with IMPA to construct the city’s first solar park in 2016.
“This new solar park is three times bigger than the first solar park built in Washington,” said Rhoads.
“IMPA’s ongoing commitment to providing low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible power supply to our 61 communities is a top priority for the Agency,” said Jack Alvey, IMPA president and CEO. “Diversifying our power portfolio allows IMPA to stay on the cutting edge of trends and policy changes while maintaining a reliable portfolio to serve our members. Our collaboration with Ladoga in constructing a solar park in the community not only benefits the town by keeping the investment and property taxes local, but helps all of the Agency’s member communities plan for a bright future.”
During remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Alvey said of the nearly 50 solar parks in IMPA member communities, Washington 2 is the largest.
Alvey noted solar power can’t supply all the electric needs of a city, but it is a stable source and provides an environmentally responsible source of power.
“This shows the community that we are committed to green energy,” said Washington Power & Light Superintendent Randy Ennis.
Also in attendance at the ribbon cutting were Amber Warden from the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation, representatives for US Sen. Mike Braun and US Rep. Larry Buschon, Chris Sanders, IMPA vice president of generation, and Bryan Brackemyre, IMPA vice president of member services.
About IMPA
The Indiana Municipal Power Agency is a wholesale electric power provider serving the needs of 61 cities and towns in Indiana and Ohio. IMPA was formed so its member utilities could share power resources, allowing cities and towns to provide electricity more economically to their customers.