Solarize Louisville offers discounted solar options to homeowners, businesses and nonprofits

Wednesday is Earth Day, and Louisville is encouraging residents to switch to solar energy.The city launched the fifth annual Solarize Louisville campaign at Bardstown Road Presbyterian.The 120-year-old church recently had solar panels installed.Solarize Louisville connects homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits with discounted solar options.Officials say while solar can come with a high upfront cost, it can lower energy bills over time.”I think this is a creative and interesting way to make an upfront investment — comparable to a car — that at the end of the day you’ll see you back and that you’ll have power running to your house using renewable energy and solar,” said Jake Medley, office of sustainability executive director.Solarize Louisville is open to residents in Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Shelby, and Spencer counties. It is also open to Clark, Floyd, and Harrison counties in Indiana.In its first four years, more than 300 residential and commercial projects have been completed.