Eastover Solar – a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Energy, an experienced utility-scale solar project developer – announced plans to construct a new solar farm in Lower Richland.
The company is investing $80 million in the project.
“We are delighted that Community Energy selected Richland County for this endeavor,” said Richland County Council Chairman Paul Livingston. “This investment will deliver reliable, renewable energy, which will benefit our community and the entire state.”
Designed to generate the equivalent electricity required to power approximately 18,000 homes, this new, 73-megawatt project will be located on a 740-acre site in Eastover.
“Community Energy is proud to play a leading role in bringing economic solar power to South Carolina’s energy mix,” said Brent Alderfer, CEO of Community Energy. “Our Eastover Solar project represents the ideal combination of the latest solar technology, an optimum project site, and key support from Richland County and the State of South Carolina.
“This project proves that innovative and collaborative solar development can lead to low-cost renewable energy with broad economic benefits,” Alderfer said.
The project is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2021. Eastover Solar will sell the electricity it produces to Dominion Energy.
“South Carolina is playing an important role in the alternative energy renaissance, as new, state-of-the-art solar projects continue to come online,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “This $80 million investment by Eastover Solar is proof that our economic development efforts are paying off, and we are excited to welcome this innovative company to Team South Carolina.”
Gov. Henry McMaster added that Eastover Solar is the latest example that shows South Carolina’s renewable energy industry is thriving.
“This investment proves that our state is an ideal business destination for companies of all types, and by working together to maintain our pro-business environment, we can ensure a future of prosperity in all corners of our state,” McMaster said.