About Us

The Kentucky Solar Partnership (KSP) was formed to give voice to members of our community who want the use of solar energy to flourish in our state. As a partner of the US Department of Energy’s Million Solar Roofs Initiative, which aims to see one million solar systems installed on American roof-tops by 2010, KSP is working towards the installation of 510 solar electric and hot water systems in Kentucky by the end of the decade.

The Kentucky Solar Partnership’s goals are to:
(1) Determine and break down barriers to the growth in number of solar installations in our state;
(2) Generate informative resource materials;
(3) Educate community and students on the benefits of solar energy use;
(4) Demonstrate with appropriate, safe, code approved solar installations.

One of the Partnership’s great successes has been the passage of statewide net-metering legislation, which was signed into law on Earth Day, 2004. KSP played a significant role in getting this issue onto the legislative agenda and worked alongside legislators and other stakeholders to craft the final legislation.

KSP’s efforts have supported the installation of the first net-metered PV system in Kentucky, at the Mt. Vernon office of Appalachia – Science in the Public Interest. The installation of this 1.5 kW array led the way to Kentucky’s first pilot net-metering program, which was followed by the passage of the statewide net-metering law.

Since the Partnership was formed in the late 1990’s we have held PV and solar water heating workshops; coordinated the annual National Tour of Solar Homes in eastern Kentucky; served as an informational resource concerning solar energy; advocated for policies that support renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation; published resources such as The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide and other Technical Papers; made educational presentations around the state; created solar energy demonstration systems; and helped organize the 2004 Bluegrass Energy Expo.

With the publication of The Kentucky Solar Energy Guide in February 2005, the Kentucky Solar Partnership is kicking off a new phase of outreach and advocacy. KSP has formed a partnership with the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) to provide low-interest loans for the installation of solar water heating systems in eastern Kentucky. MACED also provides loans for renewable energy systems used for commercial purposes, and to support the development of renewable energy enterprises. KSP is supporting these programs by providing educational outreach, technical consulting, and community organizing to build awareness and demand for solar energy systems.

To learn more about any of our programs or to schedule an educational presentation about solar energy for a group in your community, please feel free to contact us.

Andy McDonald, Coordinator
Kentucky Solar Partnership
2235 Gregory Woods Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-227-4562
Email: solar@kysolar.org