Merrillville weighs proposed solar power project

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. — Officials in a northwestern Indiana town are warming up to a proposed solar power project that would sell electricity to a local utility.

The Times of Munster reports Chicago-based Lincoln Solar wants to install more than 6,800 solar panels in Merrillville.

NIPSCO spokesman Nick Meyer says Lincoln Solar has reached a 15-year agreement with NIPSCO to sell it the electricity at 26 cents per kilowatt hour.

The project requires Town Council approval before it moves forward. Town officials say they want to make sure the solar panels won't have an impact on surrounding properties, but two councilmen have already said they support the project.

Lincoln Solar project manager Chris Little says construction could begin in May or June and take up to four months to complete.