Frankfort, Ky. (October 15, 2014) – In celebration of October as Energy Awareness month, the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI) has released the virtual solar energy story map. For those unfamiliar with a story map, a story map uses geography to present information and is designed for everyone. The solar energy story map takes a visitor around the state virtually to view different types of solar energy projects across different locations and applications. For example, viewers will see everything from agricultural to commercial projects along with state and federal projects. Nationwide, there are more than 15.9 gigawatts of cumulative solar electric capacity operating in the United States — enough to power 3.2 million homes. This is in part because solar installation prices have dropped 41 percent since 2010, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. The price decline coupled with state and federal incentives has resulted in solar energy systems becoming more cost competitive. In fact, the U.S. Energy Department aims to reduce the total installed cost of solar energy systems to $.06 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) by 2020, which would be competitive with current natural gas power generation technologies. “Kentucky has approximately 10 megawatts of installed solar capacity. If people see solar energy projects working in Kentucky, then they are more likely to start asking questions and considering it as an option for their own homes or businesses,” said Kenya Stump, assistant director for Renewable Energy. Projects like the solar energy story map support Gov. Steve Beshear’s Energy Plan, “Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future,” which specifies increasing the use of renewable energy by 2025. To take the solar energy project virtual tour, please visit DEDI’s Solar Energy webpage at http://energy.ky.gov/renewable/Pages/SolarEnergy.aspx. To have your project considered for the story map, please email [email protected] or phone at 502-564-7192.
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