Lexington-Fayette council approves solar farms with farming
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The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council in Kentucky voted on Thursday to allow large-scale solar energy development on up to one percent of Fayette County land.
The new zoning ordinance requires these projects to also support farming, a practice called agrivoltaics, which aims to preserve soil quality and continue local agricultural production. Sierra Club members actively supported the amendment, believing it will help the county reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The council’s decision responds to a need for more affordable energy and cleaner air for residents of Kentucky. By combining solar energy production with agriculture, Fayette County hopes to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. According to estimates, solar installations covering one percent of the county could generate as much electricity as over 30,000 rooftop solar systems.
Judy Humble of the Sierra Club Kentucky Executive Committee stated the council determined agrivoltaic solar projects are “a promising, worthwhile solution” to the state’s energy challenges and urged the Mayor to uphold the amendment.
