Honda of Indiana's new solar walkway might be a world record

Photos provided by Honda of Indiana

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – The world’s longest solar pedestrian walkway might be located in Greensburg!

The solar panel-covered walkway is located at Honda’s Indiana Auto Plant (IAP) and it’s providing renewable energy while also helping associates stay out of the elements. 

IAP team leaders noticed that associates had to walk a long distance outside, sometimes during the rain or snow. 

Jeremy Page serves as the plant’s quality division manager and came up with the idea to build a covered walkway. 

“He started the project and came to me and asked if there is any environmental impact or improvements we can make for this project,” said Plant Environmental Lead Johnathan Nelson.

That led to the idea of putting solar panels as a canopy over the walkway, in an effort to align infrastructure improvements with energy efficiency.

The project is now complete and it features a 650-foot walkway that is larger than two football fields. 

The project was completed in April and is already making a significant difference.

It has exceeded IAP's target to reduce 35 percent of electricity usage in the adjacent Quality building.

Nelson said the walkway is generating about 20 households-worth of electricity a year.

“This was a morale-driven project to keep associates out of the rain. And then, just like any project, we discuss how we can make it more environmentally friendly. Our mindset is to always ask how can we make something better in multiple aspects,” Nelson said. 

Project leaders are now considering whether to add a digital display to show real-time energy savings and carbon offsets.

Is It Really The World’s Longest Solar Pedestrian Walkway?

The project team believes the walkway is the longest of its kind in the world, and they are currently having discussions with Guiness World Records. 

“I know the current record that is listed is in Shanghai, but this is longer than that,” said company spokesperson Eric Mauk. 

He added, “That is why we reached out to Guiness and we're in the process of getting that verified right now.” 

Considering a career change? See available job opportunities at Honda IAP by clicking here.