Although sunnier states like California and Arizona have long enjoyed fairly robust PV markets, Kentucky is helping to validate solar energy’s reputation as a universal technology that can be deployed anywhere the sun shines.

Kentucky’s ambitious foray into the solar market began last year with the launch of Berea Solar Farm – a pilot project introduced by the town’s local utility company to provide clean energy to residents within the region.  Built around solar leases contracted out to local businesses and homeowners, the Berea Solar Farm project has helped make the technology more accessible to those who wouldn’t normally be able to afford a full-scale solar PV installation on their own properties.

Under the arrangement, each leased panel costs $750 for a period of 25 years. Lease owners receive credits every billing cycle for any clean electricity generated from their panels – residual income to help offset their traditional utility grid electricity bills.  It is estimated that all of the Berea Solar Farm participants will fully recoup their investments before the 25-year lease lifetimes expire. 

Solar Energy Solutions supervised both the initial round of 60 panel installations last December and a subsequent 60 installations that went into operation last summer.  The program, thus far, has been a resounding success, with Berea Solar Farm selling out its first 60 panels in only 4 days.  Even the city’s mayor, Steve Connelly, joined the rush, as have many other local officials.

Citing the possibility of expanding the project to other parts of the region, the Director of Berea Municipal Utility, Ed Fortner, indicated that, “There has been a lot of energy and enthusiasm for this project.”  Lease royalties collected by Berea Municipal Utility will likely help to finance these future installations, allowing Berea, KY to continue scaling up its solar PV program to match growing demand for cleaner and more sustainable forms of local power.  

On October 5th and 6th, Berea, KY will host a special tour to celebrate being the “first town in the commonwealth to have a municipal solar farm.”  Visit Sustainable Berea Online for registration details and a full list of scheduled events.