LEXINGTON, KY. (March 14, 2023) – The City has partnered with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society to launch Solarize Lexington, a new program that helps households reduce their reliance on the electric grid by making it easier and less expensive to install solar.
“Solarize Lexington will accelerate the widespread adoption of clean renewable energy in Fayette County by residents, small businesses, places of worship and non-profits,” said Steve Ricketts of the Kentucky Solar Energy Society.
“By the formation of a city-wide buying group, those interested in installing solar can now save up to 20% on typical prices and work with a vetted installer,” Ricketts said.
The program is open to all homeowners in Lexington-Fayette County. Other property owners (non-profits, small businesses, places of worship) can also apply.
Participants are responsible for the (discounted) cost of solar panels and installation. Federal tax credits are available to help offset costs. All solar installations will be individual contracts between the property owner and the solar installer. Neither the city, nor the Kentucky Solar Energy Society, will assume any liability related to the installation.
To learn if your property qualifies, fill out the Solarize Lexington interest form. Completion of the form, available at lexingtonky.gov/solar, does not obligate you to buy anything. The form simply provides the Solarize Lexington Team with the initial information needed to conduct a free solar assessment of your property.
The assessment accounts for:
- The direction your home’s roof faces
- How shaded your roof is and
- The amount of space available on your roof for solar panels.
If your roof is a good fit for solar, your information will be shared with a vetted installer who will contact you to discuss next steps. If your roof is not a good fit for solar, the reason(s) will be shared with you.
Solarize Lexington applications run through July 20. Contracting must be complete by Sept. 14. Installation must be scheduled by the end of the year.
Limited funding is available to assist low-to-moderate-income homeowners in going solar. Those wishing to apply for grant funds must own and occupy their homes. Do not fill out the program interest form if you believe you qualify for grant funds. Instead, visit lexingtonky.gov/solar to confirm you meet the financial considerations. If you do, contact the Division of Community and Resident Services for prescreening. Documentation of identity, proof of residence, homeownership, and income are required. Grants will be available for those who qualify on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
All interested residents can register for an upcoming informational workshop at lexingtonky.gov/solar.
