LEXINGTON, Ky. — The city's Solarize Lexington program is accepting applications from homeowners, small businesses, non-profits and houses of worship seeking to install solar panels at a 20 percent discount, with interest forms due Friday, Oct. 2.

The city-run initiative provides participants a step-by-step walkthrough of the solar installation process and connects them with a vetted installer. The program will hold its final informational workshop Monday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m., a virtual hour-long session where residents can ask questions of solar experts.

The program has expanded this year to serve all six counties within the Lexington-Fayette County Metropolitan Statistical Area, including Clark, Scott, Bourbon, Jessamine and Woodford counties. Since its launch in 2023, the program has facilitated 128 residential solar installations, though grant funding is not available in 2026.

Prospective participants should note that the federal residential solar tax credit expired on Jan. 1, 2026. However, non-profits, small businesses and houses of worship may still claim federal solar tax credits as direct cash refunds if projects are operational by the end of 2027, reducing costs by up to 30 percent.

Contracts must be signed by Friday, Oct. 16, with all installations required to be completed by Dec. 31. Filling out the interest form carries no obligation to purchase, and the Solarize Lexington team will conduct free solar assessments of properties to determine eligibility. Participants remain responsible for discounted installation costs.