South Carolina school, Duke Energy bring 230-kilowatt solar power system online

A 230-kilowatt solar power system went into service at Independence Elementary School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Monday thanks to a $280,000 rebate provided by the Duke Energy Solar Rebate Program.

The new solar project, which will be incorporated into the school’s STEM lesson plans, is the largest at all schools in Duke Energy’s South Carolina service territory. To date, the Duke Energy Rebate Program has provided more than $50 million to offset the cost of installing solar projects in the state, reaching its full capacity.

“As a principal, it is always my goal to grow my students and prepare them for their desired career paths, many of which have yet to be created,” Kimberly Odom, the principal of Independence Elementary, said. “The partnership with Duke Energy on the solar installation allows our school to be able to provide students with different learning opportunities that prepare them for future careers in the STEM field. This is a fantastic partnership and we look forward to leveraging this resource for many years to come.”

The Duke Energy Solar Rebate Program was made possible by Act 236, a state bill that has helped 5,000 Duke Energy customers in South Carolina install rooftop solar projects. Since enactment of Act 236, South Carolina has become one of the top 10 largest solar markets in the country.

“Act 236 has been a game-changer for the growth of solar in the Palmetto State,” Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, Duke Energy South Carolina state president, said. “That collaborative effort among solar developers, energy companies, environmentalists and other stakeholders has created jobs and allowed thousands of customers to participate in the renewable marketplace.”

Duke Energy’s Renewable Service Center, a call center focused on helping customers navigate the solar installation process, has also helped grow the state’s solar energy market. Eric Clark, manager of the Renewable Service Center, said “Even though the Solar Rebate Program has now successfully reached capacity, our teammates at the solar service center are talking daily with customers to help them through the process of integrating renewables at their home or business,”

Duke Energy also plans to kick-off a community solar program this year that will enable multiple energy customers to share the costs and benefits of a single solar facility.