LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville is working to expand its solar energy program.

Tuesday, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that solar panels will be installed on the Southwick Community Center.

Panels will also be installed at Fire Engine 8 in Louisville's Klondike neighborhood, and at the Iroquois branch of the Louisville Free Public Library.

Greenberg said the installations will happen this year. The panels are expected to save the city about $18,000 each year.

"Once this installation is complete, it will produce enough solar energy to meet about half the needs of these three buildings," the mayor said.

The Solarize Louisville program has already helped more than 200 homes and businesses go solar since 2022. 

Applications for Solarize Louisville will open in spring 2025. The program provides area households with the opportunity to go solar by giving them "bulk-purchasing power" to get discounted wholesale rates for solar installation. 

Leaders say going solar will reduce energy bills and has the potential of increasing a property's value, supports local solar jobs and helps the city of Louisville meet its goal of using 100% clean energy across the community by 2040.

Eligible counties include Jefferson, Oldham, Spencer, Shelby and Bullitt in Kentucky, and Harrison, Floyd and Clark counties in southern Indiana.

To learn more about the initiative, click here.

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