The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council approved a zoning ordinance text amendment Thursday that permits large-scale solar development on up to one percent of Fayette County land, including areas currently zoned for agriculture. The move opens the door to agrivoltaic solar projects, which combine energy production with continued farm operations beneath elevated panels.
The amendment represents a deliberate balance between renewable energy expansion and agricultural preservation. By capping solar development at one percent of county land, local officials limited sprawl while creating space for utility-scale installations. Agrivoltaic systems allow farmers to maintain production on the same plot, addressing concerns that solar farms would consume productive farmland permanently.
Kentucky ranks among the lowest in U.S. solar capacity. The state generated just 0.1 percent of its electricity from solar in 2023, according to the Energy Information Administration. Lexington's action directly addresses this gap. Large-scale solar installations reduce reliance on coal and natural gas, which still provide roughly 75 percent of Kentucky's electricity supply. Lower solar costs and state incentives have made utility-scale projects economically viable in the region for the first time.
The zoning change affects Fayette County's comprehensive plan, which governs development across the urban-county jurisdiction of roughly 300,000 residents. County planners designated specific land parcels eligible for solar development, excluding sensitive areas like nature reserves and flood plains. The amendment requires developers to comply with setback requirements, visual impact assessments, and decommissioning plans to restore land when panels reach end-of-life.
Solar development directly lowers residential and commercial electricity bills. A typical Kentucky household using solar power can reduce annual electricity costs by 10 to 25 percent, depending on system size and local utility rates. Duke Energy Kentucky, the primary utility serving Fayette County, has committed to retiring coal plants and investing in renewables. Solar projects contribute to that transition while distributing generation across the county rather than concentrating power at centralized plants.
The amendment aligns with Lexington's climate commitments. The city council previously adopted a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, requiring rapid deployment of renewable energy. Solar capacity must triple or quadruple to meet that target. Utility-scale installations provide far more generation than rooftop systems alone can supply.
Agrivoltaic design preserves rural character while generating revenue for farmers. Crops like lettuce, clover, and certain herbs thrive under partial shade cast by elevated panels. Livestock can continue grazing beneath installations. Farmers receive lease payments from solar developers, creating new income streams during agricultural downturns.
The zoning amendment does not guarantee solar development. Developers still must secure individual permits, environmental reviews, and local approval. The one percent cap reflects community input during the planning process. Some residents expressed concerns about viewshed impacts and property tax shifts, though solar installations typically increase assessed property values and tax revenue for schools and services.
Implementation begins immediately. The county planning department will accept applications from developers meeting the zoning criteria. Projects typically require 18 to 36 months from permitting to operation. First installations could generate power by 2027, contributing measurably to Lexington's renewable energy supply and reducing wholesale electricity costs across Duke Energy's Kentucky service territory.