The Town of Merrillville, in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 697, Northwest Indiana Roofers Local 26 Apprentice Program, the Sheet Metal Workers Local 20, and the Sheet Metal Contractors Association installed a 5kW Photovoltaic Solar Panel system on the Merrillville Town Hall Roof. Proceeds for the project have been received by a grant from the Indiana Offices of Energy and Defense Development, donations from private contracting supply houses, local electrical contractors, and the generous support and assistance from the building trade unions.

Merrillville representatives and elected officials view this project as a prime opportunity to educate residents on the advantages of renewable and environmentally friendly energy development practices. This highly visible pilot project hopes to encourage residents and businesses to install similar systems that will increase the supply of renewable energy and reduce the communities dependence on traditional, non-sustainable approaches. The public / private partnership between the Town and the building trades unions kept project costs minimal and provides educational opportunities to contractors on the installation and technical proficiency needed to install these systems. Overall, the Town of Merrillville sees this partnership as a major first step in advancing the practice of sustainable energy development throughout the community.