Solar Power World
By Kelly Pickerel | January 12, 2026
An expansion on the Subaru manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, now hosts a 204-kW solar system installed by Emergent Solar Energy.
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) operates an 820-acre campus that has a production capacity of 33,000 vehicles each month. SIA has long been recognized for its leadership in environmental practices, as it was the first U.S. auto assembly plant to achieve zero-landfill status and has consistently invested in technologies that reduce waste, conserve natural resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The new solar project builds on that legacy, demonstrating how one of Indiana’s largest manufacturers is using renewable energy as both a cost-containment strategy and a core component of its environmental vision.
Scott Brand, President and Chief Operating Officer of Subaru of Indiana Automotive, said, “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.”
SIA selected Emergent Solar Energy, a commercial and industrial solar EPC headquartered in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, as its partner for the design and construction of the project. Emergent specializes in turnkey solar and energy storage solutions for large manufacturers and agricultural operations across the state.
“Subaru of Indiana Automotive has set the standard for sustainable manufacturing in Indiana and the Midwest. We are honored to contribute to that vision with a solar project that will deliver long-term energy savings, reduce emissions and showcase how renewable energy can integrate seamlessly with advanced manufacturing. This project reflects what’s possible when industry leaders take bold steps toward a carbon-conscious future,” said Jeremy Lipinski, Managing Partner of Emergent Solar Energy.
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.”
News item from Emergent Solar Energy
Kelly Pickerel has more than 15 years of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World. Email Kelly.

Jeremy Lipinski says
January 13, 2026 at 4:48 pm
Thank you, Kelly Pickerel and the Solar Power World team, for covering this milestone project. It was an honor for Emergent Solar Energy to partner with Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) to bring this 204-kW system online. Executing solar installations for high-volume manufacturing environments is our specialty, and we are proud to support SIA’s continued leadership in sustainability. Thank you for keeping the light on solar in this enviroment. Much appreciated!
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