Developer says Sculpin Solar could bring $200 million investment, 300 construction jobs and recurring tax revenue to DeKalb County
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Summary
During the county’s budget public hearing, an RWE representative outlined the Sculpin Solar proposal—180 MW on about 1,800 acres—saying the project could create hundreds of construction jobs and add substantial tax revenue to DeKalb County’s base under Indiana tax rules.
Jason Winnick, a development manager with RWE for the Sculpin Solar project, spoke during the county’s Sept. 3 public hearing on the 2026 budget and described the Sculpin Solar proposal and its local impacts.
Winnick described the project as a 180‑megawatt solar development on roughly 1,800 acres (about 1,800 acres leased; substantially less will be covered in panels if constructed). He said Sculpin could support about 300 construction jobs during an approximately 18‑month build and would add roughly $200,000,000 in infrastructure value to the county tax base. He also said RWE expects the project to support about five permanent local jobs once operating.
Winnick told councilors that under recent and pending state tax changes (he referenced SB 1), county revenue from a project such as Sculpin could be “millions and millions of dollars” over time, and he invited county leaders to reopen discussions about the economic‑development agreement and local tax treatment to provide “more tax revenue certainty for the county.” He also described the project as screened and low‑visibility for neighbors and said RWE would pursue local agreements with landowners voluntarily participating.
Winnick closed by asking to be part of future county conversations about a locally advantageous tax structure and economic development terms. No public speakers directly challenged the developer during the hearing; councilors closed the airport portion of the public hearing and continued budget work later in the meeting.
No council action on Sculpin Solar was taken at the Sept. 3 meeting; Winnick’s remarks were part of the public comment record for the county’s budget work session.
Details from the developer’s presentation that were stated during the hearing: - Project size: 180 MW; approximately 1,800 acres leased (actual panel area to be smaller). - Construction employment: about 300 jobs during an estimated 18‑month construction phase. - Permanent jobs: roughly five local positions post‑construction. - Investment: approximately $200,000,000 in infrastructure value and tax base increase. - Tax implications: developer said Sculpin “could bring in millions and millions of dollars in tax revenue” under evolving state rules and requested county engagement on an economic‑development agreement.
The developer offered to continue discussions with commissioners and council staff as budget deliberations proceed.