TL/DR –
Kentucky has submitted at least two applications for the “Solar for All” grant competition, which aims to increase access to solar power and reduce energy costs. A group including Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and 54 counties has asked for a $150 million grant to support solar power expansion for low-income and disadvantaged communities. The state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) intends to use a $100m grant to lower energy bills for low-income households, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse emissions, and demonstrate solar power’s potential help to low-income households.
Kentucky Scales up Solar Power to Combat Energy Bills
Kentucky, where the majority of power is derived from coal, is now seeking funding to enhance access to rooftop and ground-mounted solar power. This move aims at aiding residents struggling with energy bills.
The Solar for All scheme, a $7 billion grant competition, aspires to expand solar access, lower energy costs, cultivate environmental justice, and generate jobs, all while reducing carbon emissions.
Kentucky’s Push for Solar Expansion
Kentucky has submitted two applications: one from the Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) and another from a partnership between the state’s three largest cities and a group of Appalachian counties.
Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green joined forces with 54 counties in eastern Kentucky to compete for one of the 60 grants aimed at expanding low-income solar programs.
After an influx of interest, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency encouraged intra-state collaboration, thus fostering this extensive state-wide partnership, said Louisville Sustainability Director Sumedha Rao.
Turning Solar Power into a Win for All
The partnership is seeking a $150 million Solar for All grant to support solar growth in low-income and disadvantaged communities through distributed solar generation like residential roof and ground-mounted installations. The initiative targets reduced emissions, utility savings, and increased disposable income for low-income residents.
This approach also enhances grid resilience, ensuring access to electricity during widespread blackouts.
“The massive grant has generated quite an excitement and an opportunity to collaborate with numerous stakeholders,” Rao asserted.
The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet plans to channel $100 million in funding to decrease bills for low-income households, cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and show how solar can aid low-income families.
Boosting Solar Adoption Rates
At present, under 1% of Kentucky households have opted for rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels due to high costs. The Solar for All funding thus offers a significant opportunity to overcome this financial hurdle, according to Rao.
“High upfront costs act as a barrier to these communities. This grant aims to make solar energy more financially viable by eliminating those barriers,” she explained.
The applications were submitted in mid-October, with results expected in July of next year.
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