Michigan City Sustainability Commission Workshop October 21, 2026

The Michigan City Sustainability Commission workshop on October 21, 2026, focused on residential solar panels, battery storage, and the Northwest Indiana solar co-op, presented with Solar United Neighbors. Speakers discussed system components and suitability, outage resilience, utility rates and net metering, battery options, warranties, financing, and consumer protections when evaluating solar sales contracts. They said that, according to the presentation, third-party solar leasing is not available in Indiana and the residential federal tax credit had ended; business and nonprofit projects may still qualify for a tax credit through 2027.

The procurement-related discussion centered on the co-op’s installer selection process, not a completed award. The co-op was seeking proposals from solar installers; once it reaches 30 members, a member-led selection committee will review bids, references, price, equipment quality, warranties, and installer experience before choosing an installer. At the workshop, the co-op had about 20 members and was open for sign-ups through January 31, 2027, for residents and organizations in Porter, Lake, Starke, and LaPorte counties. Participation is free through the point of signing an installation contract; no contract award, public expenditure, or vote was reported.