Mayor Linda Gorton joined in a celebration today of the City’s sustainability program, Solarize Lexington, which has helped dozens of Lexington homeowners install solar panels.
“Solarize Lexington has provided an amazing opportunity for Lexington residents to safely have solar panels installed on their home, at a discounted rate,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “This sustainability program is helping homeowners reduce their dependence on the electric grid.”
The program, which provides a discount of up to 23% on the cost of installation of a solar energy system, is open to all homeowners in Lexington. Other property owners (non-profits, small businesses, places of worship) can also apply.
Solarize Lexington helps address the main challenges homeowners face when looking to switch to solar energy - finding a trusted and proven installer, finding the lowest price, and having a guide to walk them through the process.
“The launch of Solarize Lexington in 2023 has proven to be a major step forward in community solar growth in Kentucky,” said Steve Ricketts, chair of the Kentucky Solar Energy Society. “Building on last year’s nationally recognized Solar Over Louisville campaign, Lexington has put a very strong focus on providing low-and moderate-income households equitable grant-supported access to renewable energy options. As a result, 38 of 58 new solar homes in this program have been for low- and moderate-income households. This firmly establishes Lexington as the defining regional leader in growing solar access for all.”
The program represents the single largest clean energy investment in Kentucky specifically aimed at helping low- and moderate-income households. In 2022, the City provided $1 million in one-time grant funding to cover 100% of the solar panel installation for qualified low- and moderate-income homeowners. Those funds were available on a first-come, first-served basis, and have been fully utilized.
To date through the program, Lexington homeowners have committed to install nearly 500 kW of residential solar, equating to 14,000 tons of CO2 emissions avoided over the life of the solar panels.
“Since its launch in March, Fayette County residents have shown significant interest in the Solarize Lexington Program, with nearly 500 interest forms completed,” said Jada Griggs, Sustainability Program Manager Senior. “This program is a way to help homeowners, small businesses, and non-profits reduce their reliance on the electrical grid, which helps our city become a more sustainable and resilient community.”
Solar Energy Solutions was selected as the local solar installer for the program.
“Solar Energy Solutions is honored to have been selected as the solar supplier for the Solarize Lexington program,” said Jeffrey Nazarko, Vice President of Solar Energy Solutions. “We are a Lexington-based business that has been operating and serving the residents since 2006. We maintain the highest quality and service standards in the industry by creating training and advancement opportunities for employees. This dedication to training keeps our Lexington-based employees on the cutting edge of best practices for our industry, and fosters an environment to deliver best value for its customers.”
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, assume any liability related to the installation.
To learn if your property qualifies, fill out the Solarize Lexington interest form before the Friday, Sept. 1, deadline. 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 the 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.
