The Kentucky Solar Partnership is a project of Appalachia - Science in the Public Interest (ASPI) and leads ASPI’s Sustainable Energy Programs. Through these programs we work to advance the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy conservation in Kentucky, and to take action to confront climate change and its causes. 

Solar Energy Outreach & Education

KSP works to educate the general public, policy-makers, decision-makers, and students of all ages about solar energy and sustainable energy resources. Our educational activities include:

Professional Contractor Trainings on solar photovoltaic and solar thermal system design and installation.

Public workshops & presentations.

Demonstration Projects.

Participation in the National Solar Tour each October.

KSP is a founding member of the Kentucky Solar Energy Society and works with the American Solar Energy Society.

Policy Research & Advocacy

KSP works at the local and state levels to promote policies that will advance the use of sustainable energy resources. Our accomplishments include:

We helped draft Kentucky’s net metering law in 2004 and updates to the law in 2008.

In 2008 KSP contributed to HB 2 which established state tax credits for solar energy and energy efficiency.

We are a founding member of the Kentucky Sustainable Energy Alliance and helped draft the Clean Energy Opportunity Act.

We have intervened before the Kentucky Public Service Commission, provided testimony before the Kentucky Legislature, and worked with state agencies on issues related to energy and climate change policies.

KSP's Director Andy McDonald serves on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Conservation Committee, represents ASPI on the Demand Side Management and Renewable Energy Collaborative of the East Kentucky Power Cooperative, and formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Center for Renewable Energy and Environmental Stewardship.

Technical Assistance

KSP provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations and businesses interested in using solar energy and improving the sustainability of their buildings and operations. Our clients include: Housing Authority of Owensboro, Capital Plaza Hotel, Housing Authority of Fulton, Earth Tools, Inc., Frankfort YMCA, and others.

Climate Action

ASPI works to address climate change through our Sustainable Energy Programs. Effectively confronting climate change requires a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, towards a highly energy-efficient economy fueled by renewable energy. In this way our work to advance renewables is a direct response to climate change. ASPI has also partnered with the Frankfort Climate Action Network on numerous projects to raise awareness, motivate people to take action, and influence public policy.