Hoosier Solar fuels economic growth and farm preservation in Northwest Indiana

In Northwest Indiana, a new model of development is emerging that prioritizes soil health alongside grid resilience. Solar projects in Starke County and rural opportunity zones mark a turning point for Indiana’s energy future, and Hoosier Solar, a private renewable energy company, leads the call by partnering with landowners to use solar leasing as a tool to keep land healthy for future generations. 

“Hoosier Solar is more local than any other company I’ve come across,” said Hoosier Solar Senior Advisor Tony Hendricks, president of Charles Hendricks and Associates and former La Porte County Surveyor. “Hoosier Solar is focusing on staying local, hiring local people and keeping everyone local involved in the process. They also give the most tax revenue they can generate since tax revenue runs all our services.” 

Utility-scale solar provides a steady financial lifeline for Hoosier farmers facing the rising costs of fertilizer, labor and equipment, along with volatile markets. By giving landowners a reliable income stream through lease agreements, Hoosier Solar helps families keep their acreage rather than selling to corporate developers. This partnership preserves agricultural heritage by keeping land in the family. It also allows soil nutrients to recover during the time the land is being used for energy production before it is returned to traditional crop production.

“Solar leases give farmer families an option to maintain the family farm for future generations,” Hendricks said.   

Solar leases also provide opportunities to improve local ecosystems on leased land. Hoosier Solar plants native species, like milkweed, under solar arrays to support the pollinators essential for Indiana’s crops. These native plants also prevent erosion and restore soil nutrients, echoing Dust Bowl-era conservation strategies to protect the land’s longevity. This helps restore populations of bees and butterflies. 

“We need those more than anyone understands to keep our crops going.” Hendricks said.

To protect local infrastructure, Hoosier Solar also enters into road use agreements that guarantee the maintenance and restoration of county roads during and after project construction. These agreements, which are backed by bonds, require the company to coordinate with the county highway department and pay to fix any road damage caused by heavy equipment. This ensures county roads remain safe and functional for farmers and residents without burdening local taxpayers. 

“It is paramount in America that you have the right to do what you want with your land as long as you’re being a good neighbor,” Hendricks said. “I think Hoosier Solar has been great in making sure that the roads are better when they leave than when they came. They’re not just taking care of the road; they’re improving the road to handle the weight of the equipment, and when they’re done, that road remains at that quality for the residents.” 

Hoosier Solar projects generate substantial tax revenue for local services without raising taxes for residents. In Starke County, Hoosier Solar’s projects will generate more than $1 million in annual economic development agreement payments. That money can be used at the discretion of elected officials for infrastructure improvements, capital projects, and other allowable expenses. 

Hoosier Solar has also made significant direct contributions to nonprofit community organizations in Starke County to address local needs and is actively investing in La Porte County. They recently established a permanent fund of $105,000 with the Unity Foundation.

In addition to these contributions, Hendricks said solar projects offer benefits to taxpayers throughout the county. 

“The state taxes land with solar panels at a higher rate, which is paid by the developer,” he said. 

That increases and stabilizes the local tax base and lowers property tax rates for everyone. 

Hoosier Solar has an office in downtown Knox where community members can drop in and learn about their local projects. They also utilize public meetings and social media to ensure transparency and keep the community informed and involved throughout the process.  

Hoosier Solar views renewable energy as a vital tool for building a resilient power grid and a modern local economy. The company’s mission focuses on long-term community growth by prioritizing local partnerships, hiring regional union workers and purchasing local goods whenever possible. By keeping investments within the area, Hoosier Solar ensures that energy provides lasting economic stability and high-quality jobs for the residents it serves.

“We need ways to power these systems not just for the energy but for local communities,” Hendricks said. “After decades of stagnant energy use in the United States, from manufacturing to suburban sprawl, we’ve seen unprecedented demand growth for energy. If we can create that energy locally and use it locally, it will keep the cost down. It’s about being self-sufficient in our own counties and our own state. We are building the future right here.”  

To learn more about how Hoosier Solar drives local economic growth, visit hoosiersolar.com.