Subaru Indiana Automotive Solar Project
The Scenario
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) aimed to expand its multi-decade commitment to environmental stewardship at its production plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The company required a top-tier Indiana commercial solar EPC partner capable of designing and constructing a rooftop solar system that would not only support the energy needs of a new building expansion but also generate a surplus of clean power without disrupting high-volume manufacturing operations.
Emergent Solar Energy, headquartered in the Purdue Research Park, was selected to provide a turnkey solar energy solution that could meet SIA’s rigorous safety, performance, and sustainability standards. The project site atop the new facility expansion offered an ideal location for a 204-kilowatt commercial solar array engineered to produce more than three times the energy consumed by the building itself. This installation was designed to help Subaru of Indiana Automotive stabilize long-term energy costs, reduce industrial carbon emissions, and reinforce its legacy as a leader in sustainable manufacturing in the Midwest.
The Solution
Emergent Solar Energy engineered and delivered a customized industrial solar solution that aligns with Subaru of Indiana Automotive's environmental vision and operational requirements. The design incorporates high-performance solar technology and a commercial rooftop racking system optimized to maximize energy production while seamlessly integrating with the facility's existing infrastructure.
Emergent Solar Energy's in-house commercial solar design and construction teams handled every phase of the project. Site logistics, safety planning, Duke Energy interconnection, local permitting approval and construction were completed under strict coordination with the SIA facilities team, ensuring that the active manufacturing campus experienced no disruptions throughout the installation. The system is designed to operate as a net-surplus generator, feeding excess clean power back into the company’s broader operations to lower overall plant demand.
By leveraging federal renewable energy tax incentives and an optimized behind-the-meter design, the SIA solar project delivers immediate energy cost containment alongside measurable environmental benefits. The installation is built for a 30-year operational life, providing Subaru with reliable, clean electricity and a hedge against rising utility rates well into the future.
The result
The Subaru of Indiana Automotive solar project now produces a net surplus of clean energy, offsetting more than 250 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. This reduction is the equivalent of supplying the electricity needs of 43 homes every year. Over its 30-year lifespan, the system will deliver millions of kilowatt-hours of clean electricity, serving as a key asset in the company’s corporate sustainability strategy.
Since going into service in August 2025, the system has operated seamlessly, validating the rigorous planning and safety protocols implemented during construction. This successful energization confirms the effectiveness of Emergent Solar Energy's approach in complex industrial environments.
The project demonstrates Subaru of Indiana Automotive’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact and strengthening Indiana's clean energy economy. It also highlights how commercial solar investments can be used as both a cost-containment strategy and a bold step toward a carbon-conscious future for the manufacturing sector.
"The expansion roof-top solar project completed by Emergent Solar Energy further demonstrates an ongoing commitment to reduce our environmental impact. By expanding the use of renewable energy at our facility, we continue to embrace sustainable technology to help offset our carbon footprint."
Scott Brand | President & Chief Operating Officer | Subaru of Indiana Automotive
Performance Engineered Solar Solutions for Advanced Manufacturing
From project feasibility to final commissioning, Emergent Solar Energy designs and builds precision on-site solar and storage systems for production environments that demand uptime, reliability, and results. Let’s discuss your facility’s potential.
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