The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government has partnered with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society to launch Solarize Lexington. The program helps households reduce their reliance on the electric grid by making it easier to install solar photovoltaics (PV). 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
- Give households access to discounted wholesale rates (up to 20% off)
Going solar has many potential benefits, including:
- Reducing a homeowner’s energy bills
- Reducing a homeowner’s carbon footprint
- Increasing a property’s value
- Supporting local jobs by supporting local solar installers
Eligible applicants
The program is open to all homeowners in Lexington-Fayette County. Other property owners (non-profits, small businesses, places of worship, etc.) 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 (LMI) homeowners. 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.
Be aware that some companies or individuals might claim to be associated with this program but aren’t. Solarize Lexington will not come to your home or call you unless you complete an assessment form. We recommend you not provide personal information to anyone who might come to your door to talk about solar panels unless you have submitted a form. We also recommend that you verify the person who contacts you is associated with the city or Solar Energy Solutions if you have requested an assessment.
Solarize Lexington grant program
LFUCG has limited funds available to assist qualified low-to-moderate income (LMI) homeowners.
Participants wishing to apply for grant funds must own and occupy their homes. Financial qualification is determined by household income and family size. Household income must not exceed the eighty percent (80%) 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 Assessment Form. Instead, contact 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, then 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 < $47,250
Family of 2 < $54,000
Family of 3 < $60,750
Family of 4 < $67,500
Family of 5 < $72,900
Family of 6 < $78,300
Family of 7 < $83,700
Family of 8 < $89,100
Grants will be available for those who qualify on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
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 an assessment (no obligation).
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 the 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.
The enrollment period ends July 20, 2023.
Solarize Lexington enrollment workshop
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.
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.