Solar Share facility update

Last updated August 2023

• We are now accepting enrollments for the sixth sections of the array. The construction process will begin after it is 100% subscribed. Then we will accept enrollments for the following section up to eight sections.
• The fifth section of the Solar Share facility in Simpsonville went live in July 2022. It has more than 1,100 solar panels and is producing as much as 500-kilowatts of energy.
• Eight 500-kilowatt Solar Share sections are planned for the facility, for a total of 4 megawatts.
• Program subscribers -- more than 500 residential and business customers, including Louisville staple Muth’s Candies -- will earn credits on their monthly bills based on their subscription level once the section is fully constructed and producing energy.
• Since 2019, the facility has produced more than 4 million kilowatt-hours of energy that translate to energy bill credits for subscribers. More than 2,800 customers currently participate in Solar Share.
• Anyone interested can watch in near-real time as the facility generates power through the Solar Share live online dashboard.
• Supporting customers’ renewable energy goals through offerings like Solar Share is among the ways LG&E and KU are empowering a sustainable energy future for Kentucky.
• LG&E and KU are part of PPL’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon (CO2) emissions by 2050, with interim reduction targets of 70% from 2010 levels by 2035, and 80% by 2040. Reducing carbon emissions over time, ongoing system investments, advancing access to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and propelling new research and technologies are all part of the comprehensive, strategic transition.

About Solar Share

• LG&E and KU’s primary contract partner to construct the fifth section of the Solar Share facility is Solar Alliance Energy Inc. The remaining three sections planned for the site will be constructed once they are fully subscribed.
• The subscription-based program is a cost-effective option available to LG&E and KU’s residential, business and industrial customers who want to support solar energy for as little as 20 cents per day.
• By participating in the program, customers get the benefits from solar energy without having to pay the added up-front and long-term expenses that come when installing and maintaining a private solar system.

Helping customers achieve sustainability goals

• Customers who want to support 100% renewable energy can use the Renewable Choice Calculator to explore available local and regional options. By inserting a few details -- including customer type and average monthly bill -- the calculator uses the Solar Share and Green Energy programs to provide a solution for most customers equal to 100% of their power consumption for less than $1 per day or about 5% more on their monthly energy bill. Muth’s Candies was the first commercial business to take advantage of the tool and sign up to support 100% renewables.
• The Green Tariff enhances renewable options for residential, commercial and industrial customers who have renewable energy goals. Approved by the KPSC in 2019, the Green Tariff rolls the Green Energy and Business Solar programs under one tariff and provides a third option -- the Renewable Power Agreement -- for large customers interested in purchasing renewable power.