The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved a zoning ordinance text amendment on Thursday that permits large-scale solar development across no more than one percent of Fayette County’s land, including areas currently zoned for agriculture. A key requirement of the amendment mandates that all approved solar installations must operate as agrivoltaic projects, allowing farming and renewable energy generation to occur simultaneously on the same sites.
Proponents of the measure argue that agrivoltaic solar development serves multiple policy objectives for the region. By maintaining agricultural operations beneath and around solar arrays, the projects help preserve soil quality and support local farming communities while advancing the county’s “Race to Net Zero” emissions goal targeted for 2050. Additionally, supporters contend that large-scale solar capacity is essential for reducing Fayette County’s greenhouse gas emissions, improving local air quality, and controlling energy costs for residents.
According to projections cited by amendment advocates, solar installations covering one percent of county land could generate sufficient electricity to match the output of more than 30,000 residential rooftop solar systems. This capacity would contribute to creating what supporters characterize as a cleaner and more affordable energy infrastructure for the Lexington-Fayette metropolitan area.
Local environmental organizations, particularly Sierra Club Kentucky members, provided active support throughout the legislative process. Following the Council’s passage of the amendment, a Sierra Club Kentucky Executive Committee member issued a statement characterizing the decision as beneficial for residents seeking lower energy expenses, improved air quality, and progress on climate commitments. The statement also highlighted the dual benefits of agrivoltaic systems in supporting both renewable energy expansion and agricultural productivity within the state.
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