Utility company to expand solar power production in SC

Duke Energy has announced a plan to begin building new solar power projects in South Carolina, the Charlotte Business Journal reports. 

The company will provide 53 megawatts of utility-scale solar power to integrate into its electricity systems. Duke’s move is meant to comply with a state law requiring that utilities produce at least 2 percent of their energy from solar sources by 2021. 

{mosads}The announcement came after discussions with community groups, conservation organizations and regulators about how to expand the use of solar in South Carolina, Duke officials said in a press release.

Duke will give consumers the chance to buy shares of “community solar” facilties, which would provide a monthly credit for solar power produced. It will also offer rebates to customers who install their own rooftop solar panels. 

The company said it plans to have its new solar facilities built by 2016.

South Carolina lawmakers unanimously passed the state’s solar mandate in 2014 after an agreement between environmental groups, utilities and regulators. The law allows for consumer solar leasing programs like those Duke plans to implement.