Net metering customers
11,652
5.6 per 1,000 homes
Capacity
101.1 MW
8.7 kW per customer
Efficiency incentives per home
$3.19
40th of 50
Average price
13.13 cents
24% below the US average
Net metering in Kentucky
Utilities in Kentucky reported 11,652 residential customers on net metering in 2025, with 101.1 megawatts of capacity, which averages 8.7 kilowatts per customer. That is 5.6 customers per 1,000 homes. Among the 51 places that reported, Kentucky ranks 43rd, and the national ranking is on the net metering by state page.
| Utility | Net metering customers | Megawatts |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) | 3,337 | 26.2 |
| Kentucky Utilities | 2,668 | 23.7 |
| Duke Energy Kentucky | 1,026 | 7.0 |
| Blue Grass Energy Cooperative | 534 | 4.9 |
| Owen Electric Cooperative | 462 | 3.7 |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data), net metering schedule, residential. The count covers net metering only. Solar homes on other export arrangements are tracked separately by EIA.
What an exported kWh is worth in Kentucky
The value of a solar export depends on the credit your utility pays. As an illustration, take 7,000 kWh of solar power in a year, a made-up figure and not a forecast for any home. At the 2025 Kentucky average price of 13.13 cents per kWh, that power is worth $919 if the utility credits it at the full retail price. If the utility credits exports at half that rate, it is worth $460.
The gap shows why the export credit matters so much. Ask the utility which applies to you, and use the solar savings calculator to set the retail and export prices separately.
Utility efficiency rebates in Kentucky
In 2025, 9 Kentucky utilities reported efficiency programs to EIA. Together they paid about $6,663,500 in incentives to residential customers, or $3.19 per home, which ranks 40th of 50. The programs reported 35,568 megawatt hours of first year residential savings, about 5.3 kWh for each dollar of incentive.
| Utility | Paid to residential customers |
|---|---|
| Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) | $2.3 million |
| Kentucky Utilities | $1.5 million |
| Duke Energy Kentucky | $1.2 million |
| East Kentucky Power Coop, Inc | $955 thousand |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data), energy efficiency schedule. Paid incentives show what a utility spent, not what you can get. See efficiency rebates by state for the national ranking.
What the federal credits mean in Kentucky
The IRS says the residential clean energy credit, which covered solar panels, does not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025, and the home improvement credit does not apply to property placed in service after that date. That is true in every state. What remains are state and utility offers, and the federal home energy rebates that states run. See solar incentives and home energy rebates.
Source: IRS FS-2025-05, read October 10, 2026. This is not tax advice.
Where to look for current Kentucky offers
- Search the DSIRE database for Kentucky incentives and net metering rules.
- Enter your ZIP code in the ENERGY STAR rebate finder.
- Ask your electric company about its net metering, export credit and rebate programs. Find it in the Kentucky utility list.
- Read the rules at the Kentucky Public Service Commission, which oversees investor-owned utilities.
Kentucky solar and rebate questions
Does Kentucky have net metering?
Kentucky utilities reported 11,652 residential net metering customers and 101.1 megawatts in 2025. The credit for exports depends on the utility and the state rules, so ask yours.
Is there a federal solar tax credit in Kentucky?
The IRS says the residential clean energy credit does not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025, so it does not apply in any state for new installs.
How much do Kentucky utilities pay in efficiency rebates?
In 2025, Kentucky utilities that reported to EIA paid about $6,663,500 in efficiency incentives to residential customers, about $3.19 per home.
Where do I find Kentucky solar and rebate offers?
Search the DSIRE database and the ENERGY STAR rebate finder, then ask your electric company and your state energy office before you sign anything.