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Kentucky Statewide Rule

Kentucky Solar Net Metering and Interconnection Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Kentucky (2026)

Key Facts

Capacity cap
45 kilowatts or less
Governing law
KRS 278.465 to 278.468
Regulator
Kentucky Public Service Commission
Metering
Bidirectional kilowatt-hour meter required
Program cap
1% of supplier peak load
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Kentucky's net metering law guarantees rooftop solar owners a two-way meter and dollar-credit compensation for exported power. Eligible solar facilities are capped at 45 kilowatts, and equipment must meet NEC, IEEE, and UL safety standards before interconnection.

(1) Each retail electric supplier shall make net metering available to any eligible customer-generator that the supplier currently serves or solicits for service. ... (7) Electric generating systems and interconnecting equipment used by eligible customer-generators shall meet all applicable safety and power quality standards established by the National Electrical Code (NEC), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories.

Full Breakdown

Under KRS 278.465 to 278.468, every retail electric supplier must make net metering available to solar customer-generators it serves or solicits, using a standard kilowatt-hour meter that registers flow in two directions. An eligible solar generating facility must connect in parallel with the distribution system and have a rated capacity of not greater than forty-five (45) kilowatts. Generating and interconnecting equipment must meet National Electrical Code, IEEE, and Underwriters Laboratories standards. The Kentucky Public Service Commission sets the compensation rate for exported electricity and approves interconnection tariffs. A supplier's obligation to add new net-metering customers ends once cumulative capacity reaches one percent of its single-hour peak load.

Violations & Penalties

A solar array that fails NEC, IEEE, or UL safety and power-quality standards will not be interconnected. Interconnection and metering upgrades are billed to the customer, and net-metering disputes are decided by the Kentucky Public Service Commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kentucky require a state permit to install solar panels?
No statewide solar permit exists; interconnection is governed by KRS 278.466. Building and electrical permits are issued locally, and equipment must meet NEC, IEEE, and UL standards.
How large can a net-metered solar system be in Kentucky?
An eligible solar customer-generator facility must have a rated capacity of not greater than forty-five (45) kilowatts and connect in parallel with the electric distribution system.
How are Kentucky solar owners paid for excess power?
Suppliers provide a dollar-denominated bill credit at a rate set by the Public Service Commission. Excess credits carry forward but are nonrefundable and nontransferable between customers or premises.

Sources

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