Emergent Solar Energy, a commercial solar construction firm headquartered in the Purdue Research Park, has announced the successful energization of a 204-kilowatt (kW) commercial rooftop solar array at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) manufacturing campus.

The new system was designed and built to support a recent facility expansion at the plant. Operating as a behind-the-meter asset, the array generates a net surplus of energy for the specific building expansion it occupies- producing more than three times the energy required for that section’s operations. This surplus power is exported to the wider manufacturing campus, directly reducing the facility’s overall grid dependence and operating costs.

Execution in a High-Volume Advanced Manufacturing Environment

 As the turnkey EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) partner, Emergent Solar Energy managed the project lifecycle from feasibility analysis through final interconnection. Installing the array on an active automotive campus required rigorous safety planning and coordination to ensure the project was completed without disrupting high-volume production lines.

Jeremy Lipinski, Managing Partner of Emergent Solar Energy, commented on the successful commissioning:

"We are proud to deliver this project for a manufacturing leader like Subaru of Indiana Automotive. While the system size is 204kW, the impact is significant- offsetting over 250 metric tons of carbon annually. This project demonstrates that industrial solar is not just about sustainability; it is a practical, scalable solution for lowering operational costs in the manufacturing sector."

Adam Bolen, Project Manager at Emergent Solar Energy who led the on-site construction, said, “Executing a solar installation on an active, high-volume manufacturing campus requires rigorous safety planning and precise coordination. We worked seamlessly with the SIA facilities team to ensure this array was installed safely and efficiently without disrupting operations. It is rewarding to see the system now delivering clean power to this impressive facility.”

A Legacy of Sustainability Subaru of Indiana Automotive operates an 820-acre campus with a production capacity of 33,000 vehicles monthly. The automaker has long been recognized for its environmental leadership, including being the first U.S. auto assembly plant to achieve zero-landfill status.

Scott Brand, President and Chief Operating Officer of Subaru of Indiana Automotive, noted the project's strategic importance:

"The expansion rooftop 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."