The Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence has released a virtual solar energy story map, on the context of celebrating October as Energy Awareness month, reports Surfky.com.
A story map, with the help of a geographical representation provides information by taking for a virtual tour around the state to view different types of solar energy projects installed and operating in different locations.
Viewers get an opportunity to see everything from agricultural to commercial projects in addition to state and federal projects.
In United States, approximately a total of 15.9 gigawatts of cumulative solar electric capacity is operated annually enough to power 3.2 million homes.
According to Solar Energy Industries Association, this forms only a fraction as since 2010, the solar installation prices have dropped up to 41 percent.
Moreover, by 2020, the U.S. Energy Department aims to reduce the total installed cost of solar energy systems to $.06 per kilowatt-hour.
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, Renewable Energy.
The solar energy story map offers support for Governor Steve Beshear’s Energy Plan, “Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future,” that has kept a target of increasing renewable energy use by 2025.
In recent years, solar power in Kentucky has escalated due to new technological improvements, regulatory actions and financial incentives, particularly a 30 percent federal tax credit announced for 2016.
In fact, Kentucky has the potential to generate 10 percent of all the electricity used in the United States, covering one-fifth with photovoltaics is sufficient for state’s electricity.
The Berea Solar Farm, a community solar farm has been operating with 60 235 watt solar panels generating 14.1 kW.
Unfortunately, Kentucky lacks any state or local Renewables Portfolio Standards (RPS), due to which the state fails to set a minimum bar for renewable energy production.
Sabeena Wahid
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