Advance, Ind. – Representatives from the Town of Advance and the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) cut the ribbon on the first solar park in Boone County on Wednesday.

Town Council Member and IMPA Commissioner Jim Caldwell, Clerk Treasurer Shari Johnson, and Senator Phil Boots were on hand to recognize the milestone in the community. They joined with other members of the Advance Town Council, community representatives and IMPA President and CEO Raj Rao to celebrate the addition of the renewable energy source in the town. Advance is one of 18 IMPA member communities to have a solar park.

“IMPA’s ongoing commitment to providing a low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible power supply to our 61 communities is a top priority for the Agency,” commented Rao. “The output of the Advance Solar Park enables us to continue expanding our diverse portfolio through the addition of solar energy.  We are certain that the park will have a lasting impact on the community.”

The Advance Solar Park is located on two acres of land and is comprised of 864 solar panels. The facility is rated at 0.24 MW and will produce an annual amount of energy to power about 30 homes.

Other IMPA communities in which solar parks have been built include Anderson, Argos, Bainbridge, Crawfordsville, Flora, Frankton, Greenfield, Huntingburg, Pendleton, Peru, Rensselaer, Richmond, Spiceland, Tell City, Washington and Waynetown.  IMPA is currently constructing additional solar parks in Richmond and Tipton.

The Indiana Municipal Power Agency is the not-for-profit wholesale power provider to 61 cities and towns in Indiana and Ohio who own and operate the municipal electric distribution systems in their communities. IMPA member communities deliver electric service to approximately 330,000 individuals throughout the state.  For more information, visit www.IMPA.com.