Celebrating Achievements: Solarize Lexington’s Sustainability Progress

Today, Mayor Linda Gorton joined a festive event to recognize the impactful role of Lexington’s sustainability program, Solarize Lexington. This program has already assisted numerous Lexington homeowners in making the switch to solar power.

“Solarize Lexington has emerged as a fantastic platform for our citizens, providing them the opportunity to install solar panels on their homes in a secure and economically viable manner,” said Mayor Linda Gorton. “This initiative not only encourages homeowners to lean away from the electric grid but also promotes environmental sustainability.”

The program, offering up to a 23% discount on the installation cost of a solar energy system, extends its benefits to all homeowners in Lexington. It also welcomes applications from other property holders, such as non-profits, small businesses, and places of worship.

Solarize Lexington effectively addresses the core challenges most homeowners encounter when considering solar energy. These include securing a reliable and experienced installer, obtaining the best price, and receiving guidance throughout the process.

Steve Ricketts, Chair of the Kentucky Solar Energy Society, highlighted the impact of Solarize Lexington, saying, “Launched in 2023, Solarize Lexington has proven to be a significant driver in advancing community solar growth in Kentucky. Building on the success of last year’s nationally acclaimed Solar Over Louisville campaign, Lexington has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring equitable access to grant-supported renewable energy options for low- and moderate-income households. Out of the 58 new solar homes added to the program, 38 belong to low- and moderate-income families, positioning Lexington as a regional leader in democratizing access to solar energy.”

Solarize Lexington stands as Kentucky’s largest clean energy investment, specifically tailored to support low- and moderate-income households. In 2022, the City allocated $1 million in one-off grant funding to cover 100% of the solar panel installation costs for eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners. This grant was available on a first-come, first-served basis and has now been fully utilized.

Since its inception, the program has seen Lexington homeowners commit to installing almost 500 kW of residential solar power. This translates to an estimated avoidance of 14,000 tons of CO2 emissions over the solar panels’ lifespan.

Sustainability Program Manager Senior, Jada Griggs, spoke about the community response: “Since launching in March, Fayette County residents have shown tremendous interest in the Solarize Lexington Program, with nearly 500 interest forms completed. The program serves as a tool to help homeowners, small businesses, and non-profits to reduce their reliance on the electrical grid, thereby contributing to Lexington’s evolution into a more sustainable and resilient community.”

Solar Energy Solutions, a local company, was chosen as the solar installer for the program.

Jeffrey Nazarko, Vice President of Solar Energy Solutions, expressed his delight, “We feel honored to have been selected as the solar supplier for the Solarize Lexington program. As a Lexington-based business that’s been serving the residents since 2006, we prioritize maintaining the highest standards of quality and service. This is achieved by continually investing in our employees through training and advancement opportunities, ensuring that our Lexington-based workforce remains at the forefront of industry best practices, and providing excellent value to our customers.”

Participants will cover the (discounted) cost of solar panels and installation. Federal tax credits are accessible to alleviate these costs. All solar installations will be individual contracts between the property owner and the solar installer, with neither the city nor the Kentucky Solar Energy Society assuming any liability relating to the installation.

Those interested can fill out the Solarize Lexington interest form before the deadline on Friday, Sept. 1. This form, available at lexingtonky.gov/solar, places no obligation on you to make any purchase. It simply provides the Solarize Lexington Team with the initial information required to conduct a free solar assessment of your property. This assessment will consider the direction of your roof, the amount of shade it receives, and the space available for solar panels.

If your roof is suitable for solar, your details will be passed on to the installer who will contact you to discuss the next steps. If your roof is deemed unsuitable, you will be informed of the reasons why.