Merchant, Emma Foehringer. “Even in Coal-Heavy Kentucky, Corporations Can’t Stay Away From Solar Power.” Greentech Media, Greentech Media, 3 Mar. 2020, www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/a-big-solar-project-in-coal-heavy-kentucky-hints-at-growing-corporate-demand.

 

The state of Kentucky, which gets 75% of its power from coal, is seeing a steady rise in solar power across the board. Two of the largest coal plants that will shut down in 2020 are in Kentucky. Solar may not become substantial in the state for a few years however, as natural gas facilities are still slated to operate for many years. Nevertheless, solar is creeping its way into states most reliant on coal. One of the main drivers of this new spread is corporate demand. The cost of solar is slowly falling, and it’s catching the eye of large companies looking to cut energy costs. This need fuels the construction of more solar panels everywhere. As corporate officials and municipal lawmakers begin to work together to fund solar installations, the spread of solar grows around the country.

I think that as solar makes its way into states that are more reliant on coal, the situation gets better even faster. The article stated that Kentucky’s coal history museum switched to solar power back in 2017 to save money and I thought that was not only ironic, but also representative of the entire situation. Companies are taking advantage of the falling costs of solar power, and they’re working hand in hand with cities to cut energy costs. This is extremely beneficial for solar power as an industry because when you’re backed by corporations, the only way you can go is up.