Did you know that the Cope Environmental Center (130 Airport Rd., Centerville) is the only certified Living Building in Indiana + only the 29th of its kind in the world?

This means the building + its surrounding campus have fulfilled seven areas of requirements established by the International Living Future Institute, such as the attainment of net zero water and energy levels.

Cope's dope campus 🌳Love this!

In total, the campus offers 5+ miles of hiking trails that are open dawn-dusk, plus an outdoor patio and learning center that are both available to rent for sustainable celebrations.

Cope Environmental Center is powered by an extensive collection of solar panels that guests can tour.

The use of solar panels in central Indiana ☀️

Currently, ~95% of Marion County’s electricity comes from nonrenewable resources. The average electricity bill cost for a Marion County resident is almost $2,000 per year, which means it ranks No. 365 out of 3,221 counties nationally in terms of fossil fuel consumption.

On the other hand, a five kilowatt solar panel system costs $13,061 (if you pay upfront), once adjusted for the 30% federal investment tax credit.

Solar panel cost breakdown is dependent on system size — see how they compare. | Screenshot via energysage.com

Currently, 10 companies provide solar panel installation services in Indy. You can view a complete list here + we’ve done some research for you to identify three companies in central Indiana with top reviews.

Blue Raven Solar | 855-910-8121
GRNE Solar | 317-662-0013
Huston Solar | 765-474-6115

Will your house be the next Living Building in the Hoosier State?