Mayor Greenberg announces the launch of Solarize Louisville to encourage residents to transition to renewable energy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: & The launch of Solarize Louisville 2024, a program launched by Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability (OS), in partnership with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society (KYSES) and the Louisville Sustainable Council (LSC) to encourage residents to transition to renewable energy. The program, first launched in 2022, aims to simplify the process of investing in solar power by allowing participants to contract with vetted solar installers, receive step-by-step guidance throughout the installation process, and access discounted rates on solar panels. To date, over 150 participants have been powering their homes with solar energy. Two installers have been selected for the program: Icon Solar Power and Pure Power Solar. Participants are eligible for a 30% tax credit through the federal Inflation Reduction Act to further reduce the cost of transitioning to clean, renewable energy, which is open to all homeowners in Louisville/Jefferson County and surrounding counties. The first two workshops will be held in person and online.
Published : a month ago by in Environment
LOUISVILLE, KY (March 26, 2024) - Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability (OS), in partnership with the Kentucky Solar Energy Society (KYSES) and the Louisville Sustainability Council (LSC) announce the launch of Solarize Louisville 2024 (formerly titled Solar Over Louisville). The Solarize Louisville program, first launched in 2022, aims to simplify the process of investing in solar power by allowing participants to contract with vetted solar installers, receive step-by-step guidance throughout the installation process, and access discounted rates on solar panels. To date, over 150 participants are powering their homes with solar.
“By embracing solar power, we are demonstrating our commitment to the conservation of our environment as we continue to build a safer, stronger and healthier Louisville for generations to come,” said Mayor Greenberg. “We are working with urgency to build a more resilient and prosperous city for every family who calls Louisville home.”
“Solarize Louisville empowers homeowners to lead the clean energy transition. To date, Solarize participants’ investments have added over a megawatt of solar in our region” said Sumedha Rao, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.
Two installers have been selected to contract with 2024 Solarize Louisville participants. Icon Solar Power and Pure Power Solar. Both installers were carefully chosen by the OS and KYSES for their expertise, reliability, and commitment to quality service. As part of this program, both companies are offering the same standard panel price along with an 12-18% discount, ensuring that participants receive the best possible value for their investment in solar energy. With the unfortunate rise of predatory solar companies in the region, Solarize Louisville seeks to protect consumers who are interested in investing in clean energy. In addition to these significant savings, participants in the Solarize Louisville program are also eligible for a 30% tax credit through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, further reducing the cost of transitioning to clean, renewable energy. The Solarize Louisville program is open to all homeowners in Louisville/Jefferson County and surrounding counties, including Jefferson, Oldham, Spencer, Shelby, and Bullitt counties in Kentucky, as well as Harrison, Floyd, and Clark counties in Indiana. Residential and small non-residential property owners, including nonprofit, commercial, and institutional entities, are encouraged to apply. Other non-residential properties will be considered for inclusion in the program based on feasibility within the campaign's scope.
“Solarize Louisville will rapidly accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in Louisville and surrounding counties by residents, small businesses, places of worship and non-profits,” said Steve Ricketts, Executive Director of the Kentucky Solar Energy Society.
"The Solarize Louisville program is one of our area's most impactful sustainability programs. As we work towards a greener and more equitable future for our entire community, clean energy needs to be a top priority." Stuart Ungar, Executive Director, Louisville Sustainability Council.
“Icon Solar Power is proud to be selected for the Louisville solarize program for two years in a row”, said Zach Weiber, Co-owner of Icon Solar Power. “We had a successful year in 2023 and look forward to making 2024 a bigger success!”
"At Pure Power Solar we are honored to have been selected for Solarize Louisville. We are very excited to be involved in accelerating the adoption of solar in our hometown while working alongside KYSES and the city,” said Nick Hartnett, Owner of Pure Power Solar.
“Trees Louisville is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a participant in Solarize Louisville,” said Cindi Sullivan, Executive Director of Trees Louisville, “We have been very intentional about renovating our historic office building in the most energy efficient and sustainable means possible. The team that we worked with for the planning and installation made the process incredibly easy and understandable.”
Solarize Louisville, a price discounted community-based campaign directly addresses the three biggest barriers to going solar homeowners have: cost, finding a reliable and trusted installer and getting informed and unbiased advice. The Solarize Team will be hosting in-person and virtual Solar 101 workshops where participants can learn more. The details for the first two workshops are below:
Solarize Louisville Workshop with Icon Solar
Location: LFPL Main Library, 301 York St, Louisville, KY 40203 (in-person in the Board Room)
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024
Time: 11:00 - 12:00 p.m.
Register for the workshop here.
Solarize Louisville Workshop with Pure Power Solar
Location: Webex (virtual)
Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Register for the workshop here.
To learn more about Solarize Louisville and take the first step toward transitioning to renewable energy, visit www.solarizelouisville.com.
About the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability
Mayor Greenberg elevated the Office of Sustainability to the Mayor’s Office as one of his first actions when he took office. Subsequently, Metro Council unanimously approved the largest increase to the Office of Sustainability’s budget, to better support the integration of sustainability across Louisville Metro Government’s operations, and to help achieve Louisville’s climate goals of 100% clean energy and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The Office of Sustainability offers various programs such as Solar Over Louisville, the Cool Roof Incentive Program, and Louisville’s Energy Project Assessment District (EPAD) program to incentivize greater energy efficiency and clean energy. To learn more, visit www.louisvilleky.gov/sustainability.
The Kentucky Solar Energy Society (KYSES) is an association of solar professionals, advocates, and enthusiasts dedicated to advancing solar and other renewable energy, and energy efficiency and conservation, across Kentucky. KYSES was founded in 2007 to promote the use of renewable energy resources, energy efficiency, and conservation in Kentucky through education, advocacy, networking, and demonstration of practical applications. KYSES seeks to educate the public and promote policy changes that will advance solar energy in Kentucky. It provides educational forums, sponsors events, and conducts an annual meeting. All activities are designed to build a base of support and to expand solar energy use in Kentucky. To learn more, visit www.kyses.org.
Topics: Green Energy, ESG, Renewables