Largest solar farm in state dedicated
Estimated 20,000 homes and businesses to benefit
The largest solar farm in South Carolina was unveiled Friday in Jasper County as officials cut the ribbon on the new farm.
“We are so thrilled to welcome you to Jasper County today as we dedicate this incredible solar facility behind me,” Kristen Beckham, of Dominion Energy External Affairs said. “Today we celebrate the official ribbon cutting of this online facility that brings clean, renewable energy to South Carolina.”
The farm is off 11970 Grays Hwy., outside of Ridgeland.
Jasper County Council Chairman Tom Johnson, along with councilman Henry Etheridge and county officials from Jasper and Hampton counties attended the event. Johnson spoke about the process of bringing the solar farm into the county and how it had some benefits — and some roadblocks along the way.
“No More Solar Farms” signs were seen lined up on Grays Highway on Friday.
“I don’t know whether everybody here is celebrating or we have some people who are still skeptical, but that’s a good, healthy discourse,” Johnson said. “I personally feel like this is an auspicious day for Jasper County and the state. I understand there are some doubts and controversies.”
Johnson said the most important part of the facility will be the difference in the amount of taxes that will be paid with the facility on site in comparison to current taxes on the land.
“The most simplistic part is the taxes under the forest agriculture exemption which would be $2,500, compared to taxes under a solar farm which would be $316,515, so that’s a pretty good incremental difference,” he said. “This project is different in that we don’t have a lot of services that go into this facility. Some projects would bring in, just as an example, 400 families, so that would mean the county would have to offer services to them, so the burden on our government is going to be minimal and that’s a plus.”
Johnson said a downside would be clear cutting the property to replace it with solar panels. He said it was the right of the property owner; however, the land would not be replanted in this case.
“In the scheme of things, he normally would have replanted it or let it regenerate, instead we’ve now planted solar panels on it and those trees won’t be growing back,” Johnson said. “I consider this an economic win, and I still stubbornly consider it an environmental win, even though I understand the debate. I appreciate what everyone has done and I look forward to a very synergistic relationship between all the corporate interests and Jasper County.”
The 71.4 megawatt Solvay Solar Energy solar array and the 10-megawatt companion Ridgeland Solar location are in Jasper County. Between the two locations there are 270,000 panels that will generate enough electricity for 20,000 homes and businesses, according to company officials. The Grays Highway facility, according to company officials, began operations around Dec. 22 last year.
“This energy is benefiting homes and businesses all across South Carolina,” Dan Weekley, Vice President and General Manager of Southern Pipeline Operations for Dominion Energy said. “It all starts here. The future of energy is right here behind us.”