Solar power plant near New Carlisle begins generating energy

The largest of Indiana Michigan Power’s solar plants is officially generating energy for customers, announced American Electric Power on Thursday. 

AEP says the I&M operating unit is producing up to 5 megawatts of energy at its Oliver Solar Power Plant, just east of New Carlisle. 

According to the company, the Oliver Solar Power Plant covers 40 acres of land, includes 57,000 solar panels, and will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 700 homes annually.

The plant is the third of I&M’s four plants to actively produce power.

The Deer Creek plant near Marion has been in operation since 2015 and the Twin Branch Solar Power Plant near Mishawaka went online mid-August.

AEP notes, the three plants combined will be able to generate the energy equivalent to power more than 1,400 homes annually. 

“I&M’s move into solar power generation has been smooth and relatively quick, with completion of three solar generating plants coming less than 19 months after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved our proposal for solar,” said Paul Chodak III, President and Chief Operating Officer.

The company says a fourth plant in Watervliet, Michigan will begin generating solar power later in 2016.