In 2023, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government partnered with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society to launch Solarize Lexington. The program is back for a second round in 2024. See where solar panels were installed in 2023.
The program helps households reduce their reliance on the electric grid by making installing solar photovoltaics (PV) easier. Solarize Lexington will:
- Connect participants to a vetted solar installer, Solar Energy Solutions*
- Provide a step-by-step walk-through of the solar installation process and
- Give households access to discounted wholesale rates (up to 15% off).
Going solar has many potential benefits, including:
- Reducing a homeowner’s energy bill
- Reducing a homeowner’s carbon footprint
- Increasing a property’s value and
- Supporting local jobs by supporting local solar installers.
*Solar Energy Solutions is the only official installer for the 2024 Solarize Lexington program
Eligible applicants
The program is open to all homeowners in Lexington-Fayette County. Other property owners (non-profits, small businesses, places of worship) are also welcome to apply. Participants are responsible for the (discounted) cost of solar panels and installation. Federal tax credits are available to help offset costs.
Limited funding is available for low- to moderate-income homeowners. Please scroll down for additional information about the solar grant program.
All solar installations will be individual contracts between the property owner and the solar installer. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government will not assume any liability related to the installation.
Solarize Lexington grant program
LFUCG has limited funds available to assist qualified low- to moderate-income homeowners.
Participants wishing to apply for grant funds must own and occupy their home. Financial qualification is determined by household income and family size. Household income must not exceed 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
If you believe you qualify for grant funds, DO NOT fill out the Program Interest Form. Instead, contact the Division of Community and Resident Services at (859) 300-5300 for prescreening. Documentation of identity, proof of residence, homeownership, and income are required. If the prescreening process determines that you are income-eligible for grant funds, your property will continue through the evaluation process to determine if your home’s roof is suitable for solar panels (see the next section below).
Household Income < 80% Area Median Income
Family of 1 < $50,050
Family of 2 < $57,200
Family of 3 < $64,350
Family of 4 < $71,450
Family of 5 < $77,200
Family of 6 < $82,900
Family of 7 < $88,600
Family of 8 < $94,350
Grants will be available for those who qualify, on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
Solarize Lexington interest form
By filling out this form, you are expressing your initial interest in the Solarize Lexington Program which offers a discounted price and an easier path to solar installations. Completion of this form does not obligate you to buy anything. The form simply provides our Solarize Lexington Team with the initial information to help you decide whether solar is right for you.
The enrollment period ends Aug. 9, 2024.
Contracts must be signed by Sept. 27, 2024.
Solarize Lexington workshops
Will solar panels work on my roof?
Would you like to know if solar panels will work on your roof? The Solarize Lexington Team will conduct a free solar assessment of your property.
To find out more, sign up for a no obligation assessment.
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 our selected installer who will then reach out to you within three days to discuss next steps. If your roof is not a good fit for solar, we will let you know the reason(s) why. If your property has undergone recent changes, a reassessment can be conducted.
What information will my electric bill provide as part of the evaluation?
Providing your energy information allows our team to estimate what size of a solar installation your property might need. This information will help the solar installer develop a more accurate initial quote.
Energy efficiency information
A great first step to reducing your energy bills and carbon footprint is to make your house more energy efficient. If you do get solar PV, minimizing the amount of energy you use maximizes the value of your panels.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award numbers SLFRP0292/SLFRP3418 awarded to Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Frequently asked questions
Is Solarize legit?
Yes, Solarize Lexington is an official program of the City of Lexington. It is in its second year.
What solar installers are involved in Solarize?
Solar Energy Solutions is the only official installer for the 2024 Solarize Lexington program.
Someone came to my door. Are they part of Solarize? How can I tell if someone is part of Solarize?
No. The Solarize Lexington team will never stop by your home, unless it is a planned visit that you have set up with them. The Solarize team will never initiate contact unless you have first expressed an interest. If someone shows up at your door or calls you without you completing the official program interest form, they are not part of Solarize Lexington.
How much does Solarize cost?
It varies on a case-by-case basis. If you qualify for the grant funding and funds are still available, the solar array could be installed at no cost to you. If you do not, going through Solarize Lexington will still help you get up to 15% off of market rates. The specific cost will also be determined by the age of your roof, its size and the amount of sun your roof receives.
What do I need to do to get started?
There are two ways to get started. If you believe you qualify for grant funds (meaning that household income does not exceed 80% of Area Median Income), contact the Division of Community and Resident Services at (859) 300-5300 for prescreening. If you do not qualify for grant funds, fill out the Solarize Lexington interest form.
How do solar panels work?
Solar panels work on the principle of the photovoltaic effect, which is why solar is often referred to as a PV array. Sunlight hits the panel surface and a voltage is developed between layers in the solar cell. This voltage - when connected to a load such as lights, electric heat, air conditioning, etc. - allows for current to flow in the system. That voltage and current is DC and needs to be converted to AC to allow connection to our homes. This takes place in the inverter that is supplied with all solar systems.
How long does a solar array last?
Typically, about 25-30 years.
What is the payback time for solar?
The average break-even point occurs 10-12 years after installation.
Is there a federal tax credit for solar energy in Kentucky?
Yes, a 30% federal income tax credit is available until Dec. 31, 2032.
Do solar panels increase home value in Kentucky?
Most homeowners know that solar panels reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Those long-term savings help boost your home’s property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), your home value increases by $20 for every $1 you save on energy bills. For example, if your solar energy system saves you $700 per year, the value of your home increases by $14,000.
Will I have to clean my solar array?
No, cleaning your solar array is not likely needed in Kentucky.
Will my electricity stay on during an outage?
It depends. If your solar array is only tied into the electrical grid, then it will not work during a power outage. However, if you have battery storage, your solar panels will stay on during a power outage.