MERRILLVILLE | The Town Council unanimously approved a variance Tuesday allowing Lincoln Solar LLC to erect 6,800 solar panels to produce electricity, which would be sold to utility NIPSCO.

The construction of the solar energy facility in Merrillville would represent a $6 million investment in the town, a company official said.

Chris Little, a project manager with Lincoln Solar, said construction of the facility in the 8500 block of Grand Boulevard could begin in the spring and would take three to four months to complete.

Tim Young, a consultant with Lincoln Solar, said the company has established a 15-year agreement with NIPSCO. Lincoln Solar would receive 26 cents per kilowatt hour from NIPSCO, said Nick Meyer, the power utility's spokesman.

Lincoln Solar officials discussed the possibility of receiving tax abatement for the project during an Economic Development Committee meeting Tuesday.

Town Administrator Howard Fink said tax abatement figures haven't been established. Young said tax abatement would enhance the company's ability to finance the project.

Council President Shawn Pettit said tax abatement would be a "tough sell" since Lincoln Solar anticipates it only would create one permanent job in the town.

Lincoln Solar officials said about 25 laborers would be needed during the facility's construction.

The town looks to gather tax abatement information for the project, and the topic will be discussed during a future Economic Development Committee meeting.

In addition to the Merrillville facility, Lincoln Solar is "working on a number of projects," including a possible solar facility in Hobart, Young said.