Solar Panel Debris

Starke & Jasper Counties

The March 10 storm caused damage at NIPSCO’s Dunns Bridge 1 and 2 solar farms in Starke and Jasper counties. NIPSCO crews are onsite assessing conditions and performing initial cleanup and safety work. NIPSCO contractors from EnviroServe and SET Environmental are evaluating cleanup operations of solar panel debris, and will begin mobilizing cleanup crews starting Monday, March 16, with landowner permission. Work is expected to last approximately 3 weeks.

We ask the public to contact NIPSCO with any component, including panels, electrical equipment, or perimeter fencing as these items can result in serious bodily injury.  Avoid handling or approaching any damaged solar equipment. These facilities can remain active power plants.   

Recent studies have found even damaged or broken solar panels do not pose a risk of leaching in amounts that would affect human health or the environment. Learn more: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Module Facts and Trends.