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Future is bright for solar energy in South Carolina after Energy Freedom Act

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Future is bright for solar energy in South Carolina after Energy Freedom Act
Excerpt from WISNews By Jason Raven | July 24, 2019 at 7:11 PM EDT – Updated July 24 at 11:37 PM

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WIS) – Like most South Carolinians this summer, Matt Freed and his family will crank up their A-C to stay cool.

Their power bill won’t be anywhere near as a high as it was this time last year. “I think people like the idea and like being able to generate most of their own power,” he said.

Freed made the switch to solar energy a few months ago. He said he wanted to reduce his carbon footprint and slash his monthly power bill. Especially after the VC Summer debacle. According to officials, South Carolina has one of the highest power rates in the country.

Freed said his bill has reduced dramatically. “For at least two months now, I’ve had no electricity charges minus the facility fee you’re going to pay no matter what.”

Solar companies said they will see an increase in the number of customers, all thanks to the Energy Freedom Act that was signed into law earlier this year.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, companies have installed 18,000 solar systems in South Carolina. Over the next year five years, they predict 22,000 new systems will be installed.

Solar companies said the new law removed caps on net metering and leasing, which means more customers will be incentivized to put solar on their roofs at their homes and businesses.

Freed said he watched very closely what happened with the Energy Freedom Act this year. “I’d like to think we’ll continue to see the state be forward-thinking when it comes to energy usage and to keep enacting policies that support that.”

Earlier this month, North Carolina based Pine Gate Renewables announced they will construct one of the largest solar sites in the state in Orangeburg County. The 101-megawatt project is set to be completed in 2020.

Copyright 2019 WIS. All rights reserved.

Saving With Solar Power In West Columbia – Customer Interview

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The following interview was conducted with Jay G., Southern Current solar customer who had a solar power system installed at his home in West Columbia, South Carolina. Jay enjoyed saving with solar so much that he had a second system installed on his vacation residence in Edisto Island. Find out how much money you could be saving on electricity costs by contacting Southern Current today!

West Columbia, South Carolina Solar Customer Review

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

We moved to South Carolina from the Midwest in 1973. My wife and I have spent long and productive careers in South Carolina.

Why did you decide to switch to solar energy?

Our concern for the environment and climate change precipitated our change to renewable energy forms. The long hot summers of SC seemed particularly conducive to solar energy.

Related Reading: Environmental Benefits Of Solar Power In South Carolina

How much did you know about solar energy?

We did extensive research into solar energy and other alternatives. When we finally decided to go with solar, we were reasonably knowledgeable about the technology, the current trends and the state of the art.

What kind of system did Southern Current install for your home?

We first installed 50 panels manufactured by LG on our primary home. We liked them so much we installed 15 more panels on our second home on Edisto Island, south of Charleston.

View of Edisto Island solar panel install by Southern Current.

What made you choose Southern Current for your solar installation?

“Southern Current (formerly Sustainable Energy Solutions, LLC) was the most prominent South Carolina based solar energy company that our research found. They appeared to have a good solid reputation and enough experience to give one confidence that they had dealt with most issues that might be encountered. Our initial discussions with their representatives were very professional and they appeared to know what they were doing.”

What was the most difficult part of the process for you?

Probably the most trying issue was whether to pay for the panels up front or use some type of financing or leasing mechanism. We worked several models and compared them with our electricity bills. Clearly, if we could afford it, outright purchase was the most economical way to go for us. Fortunately, we were in a position to do that. Another trying part of the process was deciding which company to go with. After extensive research, we decided Southern Current was the best option for us.

Related Reading: Owning vs Leasing A Solar Power System

What benefits have you seen since the installation?

“We have been very pleased with our installation in West Columbia, SC. It was done in a professional manner in November of 2015 on our primary residence. Since then, we have not paid a utility bill and have actually built up around $500 in credit with SCE&G.”

The same is true of our second home unless we spend an inordinate amount of time there with guests which will generate (no pun intended) only a greatly reduced electrical bill. Otherwise, we are now generating enough electricity to meet our normal needs and build enough credit to cover our costs when the panels are not generating at night.

What would you say to someone who is interested in going solar?

Seriously consider going solar. If possible, pay up front for the best deal in the long run. We expect to get back the money we initially spent in something like 6 years in savings on electricity bills. After that, it’s all gravy! And, the environment will appreciate you.

Learn More About Solar Power In South Carolina!

Southern Current is proud to be one of the leading solar companies in South Carolina, with Residential, Commercial, and Utility-Scale services available throughout the Southeast. Contact us TODAY to schedule a FREE consultation and find out how much you could be saving with solar!

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Saving With Solar Power On James Island – Customer Interview

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The following interview was conducted with Craig B., recent Southern Current solar customer who had a solar power system installed at his home on James Island, South Carolina. Find out how much money you could be saving on electricity costs by contacting Southern Current today!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an established resident, I grew up in Asheville, NC and moved to Charleston in 2010. My wife moved to Charleston in 2011. I’m an Information Security Manager for a small technology support company and my wife is a School Psychologist with the Charleston County School District.

Why did you decide to switch to solar energy?

Mostly for environmental concerns, and I feel strongly about renewable energy.

Related Reading: Environmental Benefits Of Solar Power In South Carolina

How much did you know about solar energy?

I knew quite a bit behind the science of solar power, but I was impressed with the progress that has been made with technology used in the systems and on the installs.

What kind of system did Southern Current install for your home?

7.38 kW roof mounted solar power system with Mission Solar modules (made in America). Click to view more details about this James Island South Carolina solar panel install.

View of James Island solar panel install by Southern Current.

What made you choose Southern Current for your solar installation?

I valued a locally owned and operated solar installer (not a national company), and my friends spoke highly of Southern Current.

What was the process of going solar like?

It was way easier than anticipated. My sales rep., Doug Hayden, was exceptional in communication and guidance.

What was the most difficult part of the process for you?

We had an aging roof (18 years old) and had to replace the roofing in order to feasibly install the system. Finding the right roofing vendor for that was a long process.

What benefits have you seen since the installation?

Our power bill has been greatly reduced, and we expect to realize even better benefits during spring & summer months when abundant sun levels peak.

What would you say to someone who is interested in going solar?

I highly recommend doing it, especially before the Federal & State solar incentives expire. Also, it is a tremendous way to do our part to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Learn More About Solar Power In South Carolina!

Southern Current is proud to be one of the leading solar companies in South Carolina, with Residential, Commercial, and Utility-Scale services available throughout the Southeast. Contact us TODAY to schedule a FREE consultation and find out how much you could be saving with solar!

Saving With Solar Power In Florence – Customer Interview

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The following interview was conducted with Steve W., recent Southern Current solar customer who had solar power systems installed at both his home and business in Florence, South Carolina. Find out how much money you could be saving on electricity costs by contacting Southern Current today!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been a South Carolina resident for a little over 16 years, originally moving from Buffalo, NY. The attraction of a new engineering job brought me here in addition to the mild weather as compared to my home town.

Why did you decide to switch to solar energy?

The main reason to start harvesting solar is from an environmental point to view. We all need to try to reduce our carbon impact in order to sustain the earth for future generations. Secondary most certainly was a financial decision. For me, being a Duke Energy customer made it extremely easy with the availability of their solar rebates on top of the state and federal tax credits.

Related Reading: Environmental Benefits Of Solar Power In South Carolina

How much did you know about solar energy?

I had decent knowledge base since I have 4 friends that have already installed solar systems at their homes. It was nice to be able to see how things went for them before I took the plunge.

What kind of system did Southern Current install for your home?

My system is a 18.1 kW ground mount split into 2 arrays of 24 and 30 Trina solar panels with 2 SMA inverters. The incentive of going solar was so good, I had a second system installed on my business property. Click to view more details about this Florence South Carolina solar panel install.

View of racking for ground-mounted solar install in Florence, South Carolina by Southern Current.

 

View of Florence, South Carolina residential solar ground mount installation by Southern Current.

 

View of dual ground-mounts, part of a solar power system in Florence, SC designed & installed by Southern Current.

What made you choose Southern Current for your solar installation?

Whenever I contract out business, I will usually get at least 3 quotes to make things a little competitive. Southern Current stepped up to the plate with competitive pricing and a responsive sales team member that I enjoyed working with.

What was the process of going solar like?

It’s always cool to see a project of this size come together and to pull electricity from the sun. It’s one less bill my family has to face for a couple of decades at least.

What was the most difficult part of the process for you?

It’s a little scary making an investment this large. The great thing is you stand a pretty good chance at recouping a good chunk of that change you sunk into the system once you apply all the incentives.

What benefits have you seen since the installation?

First month’s power bill has been $0 charged from the use of electricity. However, my power company does charge about $11 for a connection fee.

View of Florence, South Carolina customer’s home power bill AFTER solar installation completion.

What would you say to someone who is interested in going solar?

Do your research on tax credits and power company rebates. I think it’s a good investment to offset power bills and to become a little less reliant on the grid.

Learn More About Solar Power In South Carolina!

Southern Current is proud to be one of the leading solar companies in South Carolina, with Residential, Commercial, and Utility-Scale services available throughout the Southeast. Contact us TODAY to schedule a FREE consultation and find out how much you could be saving with solar!

Greenville, South Carolina Homeowner Discusses Going Solar With Southern Current

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The following interview was conducted with Steve V., recent Southern Current residential solar customer who lives in Greenville, South Carolina. Find out how much money you could be saving on electricity costs by contacting Southern Current today!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

Our family moved to this location in South Carolina from New England six years ago to get away from the harsh winters and the high cost of living there.

Why did you decide to switch to solar energy?

I like the idea that the cost of the solar project is constant, while commercial power will only go up. Additionally, it’s a solid investment toward the value of the home that can be recouped if we were to sell the property. The federal and state incentives made the decision a bit easier for me.

How much did you know about solar energy?

Before this project, just the basics of consumer solar energy. I’ve seen other homes in the local area go with solar installations and also viewed the nearby Furman University Solar Farm. I got curious and decided to investigate their feasibility.

What kind of system did Southern Current install for your home?

The installation size is 5.32 kW supplied by 19 Jinko 280 watt roof mount panels and a Solar Edge 3800 watt inverter. Click to view more details about this Greenville South Carolina home solar panel install.

View of the Greenville, South Carolina residential solar panel installation.

What made you choose Southern Current for your solar installation?

Actually, the initial contact for the solar project was made by Brio Solar representatives. They highly recommended Southern Current as the in-state solar installation contractor. I guess I got lucky.

What was the process of going solar like?

The initial contract signature was in early June, solar energy production started the end of August. Soon after the initial paperwork was completed, Southern Current staff made an on-site inspection of the roof and electrical services. The Southern Current project manager made the process as seamless as possible and keep us informed via e-mail and phone throughout the process. They initiated all of the required permits with the county, Duke Energy and even the H.O.A for compliance.

Once all of the permits were secured, the installation date was scheduled quickly. Once started, it took two days to complete. The county inspection was completed the next day. The Duke Energy inspection and production meter installation was completed a week later.

What was the most difficult part of the process for you?

I guess the most difficult part was to actually commit to the project.

What benefits have you seen since the installation?

I’ve only seen one complete cycle utility bill since the system was activated. This was Sep – Oct. My bill was 60% lower than the same usage last year. I hope to get enough credits throughout the upcoming year to get a near zero utility cost.

PS: The Solar Edge phone app is cool; I can get the system’s production status anytime I wish from anywhere.

What would you say to someone who is interested in going solar?

If you are considering solar, do it now while any federal and state incentives are still in place as makes the entire project more affordable. Make your final decision on the return of investment of 7 – 10 years. Also keep in mind any contractor you work with should be around for the duration of the installation and product’s 10 – 20 year warranty.

Based upon my present experience with Southern Current, I would definitely work with them once again. They were easy to work with, the on-site crew were professional and kept me informed throughout the installation.

Learn More About Solar Power In South Carolina!

Southern Current is proud to be one of the leading solar companies in South Carolina, with Residential, Commercial, and Utility-Scale services available throughout the Southeast. Contact us TODAY to schedule a FREE consultation and find out how much you could be saving with solar!