Columbia, S.C. — With representatives from the state’s electric cooperatives looking on, Gov. Nikki Haley celebrated a new law that opens up options for solar energy in South Carolina at a ceremonial signing of the bill. Haley, standing under a “solar tree” at a Half-Moon Outfitters store in Columbia, spoke to a group of more than 50 utility representatives, elected officials and conservationists. She applauded the collaboration and compromise that resulted in the new legislation.
The law encourages electric utilities to generate more power from solar and permits leasing, which is expected to make solar panels more affordable for homeowners. Before solar leasing can be made available, though, rate issues will have to be resolved within the next year by the state’s Public Service Commission. Haley had officially signed the bill into law earlier this summer.
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