Watch: Indiana & Illinois Photo voltaic Farms Devastated by Extreme Storm
In the quiet town of Wheatfield, Indiana, a powerful storm system unleashed chaos on March 10, 2026, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. While initial reports suggested hail as the primary culprit, investigations point to a suspected tornado as the main force behind the widespread damage. The Dunns Bridge I and II solar farms, key components of Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s (NIPSCO) renewable energy portfolio, bore the brunt of the storm’s fury. These facilities, located in Jasper and Starke counties, represent a combined capacity of approximately 700 MW of solar power, making them among the largest in the region.
Eyewitness accounts and drone footage circulating on social media depict twisted metal frames, shattered panels, and debris scattered across acres of farmland. NIPSCO confirmed the damage in an official statement, noting that teams were on-site to assess and secure the area as soon as conditions allowed.
The utility emphasized that while debris may have been displaced, environmental risks from panel leaching are minimal based on industry research.
Extent of the DamageThe Dunns Bridge projects—Dunns Bridge I (265 MW) and Dunns Bridge II (435 MW with battery storage)—were hailed as cornerstones of Indiana’s clean energy transition when they came online in 2023 and 2025, respectively.
Together, they comprise over 2.4 million solar panels capable of powering more than 200,000 homes annually.
However, the storm’s high winds and possible tornado touchdown appear to have inflicted severe structural damage, with reports describing sections of the farms as “completely toasted.”
While official assessments are ongoing, similar incidents provide a benchmark. For instance, a 350 MW solar farm in Texas sustained hail damage estimated at $70 million in 2023.