Largest Airport-Based Solar Farm in North America Commissioned on October 18 at Indianapolis International Airport

The IND Solar Farm at the Indianapolis International Airport, with project partners General Energy Solutions, Telamon Corporation, Johnson Melloh Solutions, Indianapolis Airport Authority and Indianapolis Power and Light Company, today, October 18, 2013, announced the commissioning of a 12.5 MW DC solar photovoltaic project.

Indianapolis, Indiana October 21, 2013


The IND Solar Farm at the Indianapolis International Airport, with project partners General Energy Solutions, Telamon Corporation, Johnson Melloh Solutions, Indianapolis Airport Authority and Indianapolis Power and Light Company, today, October 18, 2013, announced the commissioning of a 12.5 MW DC solar photovoltaic project.

The Honorable Mayor Greg Ballard and Victor Smith, Secretary of Commerce – Indiana Economic Development Corporation joined in the celebration of the IND Solar Farm Commissioning. The IND Solar Farm, the largest airport-based solar farm in North America, consists of 44,128 panels, producing 12.5 megawatts DC of power on 75 acres of land at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Creating a facility this vast and high tech came with a $35-$40 million dollar investment. A solar facility of this size has the capacity to generate more than 16.5 million kilowatt hours of electric energy annually, enough to power more than 1,800 average American homes for a year.

"This project sends a powerful message to business leaders and visitors that Indy is forward looking and innovative," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "When you couple this solar farm with our electric car share program, world renowned bike amenities, and SustainIndy improvements, you can clearly see that Indianapolis is taking a national leadership role in promoting alternative energy technology."

"As a state that works for innovation, Indiana is charting new territory in technology and creating endless possibilities for the future," said Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce. "Companies across the globe select Indiana because Hoosiers aren't afraid to reach for new heights, like building North America's largest airport-based solar farm. When flying into Indiana, remember to keep an eye out for the next Hoosier success story."

The IND Solar Farm is already a distinguished landmark for those onlookers driving past the airport on I-70, as well as pilots and passengers as they approach and depart the airfield. "As the first and last thing many air travelers visiting our city see, the IND Solar Farm is an iconic reminder of the commitment by our airport and our region to sustainability and innovative economic development," says Michael Wells, president of the Indianapolis Airport Authority board of directors.

"Telamon has been proud to play the role of developer for the IND Solar Farm," said Albert Chen, President & CEO of Telamon Corporation. "Today's commissioning announcement marks a first for the state of Indiana as the largest airport-based solar farm in North America now calls Indianapolis home. We look forward to the future growth of solar in Indiana and what benefits the IND Solar Farm brings to the community."

"GES is proud to own and operate the IND Solar Farm," said David Su, CEO of GES. "It's a great example of the future of solar energy and an exceptional use of green technology that we hope will inspire cooperative efforts like these across the US and the globe."

"We are very happy that the solar array has started to produce clean energy and the community in whole has embraced our new pathway to the airport property," said Kurt Schneider, Partner Vice President of Johnson Melloh Solutions. "The economic stimulus and financial expectations have surpassed our expectations, and we look forward to Indiana government advancing the community's vision that is now a reality."

The electricity produced by the solar farm is directly linked to the IPL power grid, which is then connected to all of the homes and businesses in the greater Indianapolis area. The airport does receive its power from the IPL power grid, so the airport may receive a portion of power from the solar farm – albeit no differently than local homes and business will receive theirs. However, the primary benefit to the airport is the land-lease revenue on the previously undeveloped land where the solar farm now resides.

"Solar generation is an important part of our plans to balance our electricity generation portfolio," said Kelly Huntington, IPL President. "With the IND Solar Farm and other solar projects in process, solar and wind will represent 10% of our generation portfolio by 2017."

IND Solar Farm is thankful for all the support that has occurred in the commissioning process and looks forward to its impact in the Indianapolis community.

Commissioning sponsors included Solectria Renewables, Sharp Business Systems, Residence Inn Marriott and Fairfield Inn and Suites Marriott.

For information on the solar farm, visit IND Solar Farm's Facebook page INDSolarFarm, or Twitter @INDSolarFarm or website at http://www.indsolarfarm.com.

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