Solar energy, produced by the sun, is a renewable resource that can be used but is naturally replenished. There are numerous benefits of using solar power to generate electricity, including cost savings and environmental benefits.
Solar electric panels work by capturing sunlight and converting it to clean power using solar photovoltaic (PV) cells that harness solar energy by converting sunlight into direct current electricity. Solar farms are large collections of PV cells that absorb energy from the sun, convert it into electricity, and send the generated electricity to the power grid.
Building a Solar Farm
Electrical utilities and solar developers consider a number of factors in deciding whether and where to construct a solar farm, including the size of available property, proximity to a transmission line, and location of substations in the area. If a consumer would like to lease their land for a solar farm, they may want to contact their electrical utility and/or a solar developer to determine whether they would be interested in constructing such a facility.
Additionally, consumers may want to contact the local economic development organizations in their county. These organizations may be able to assist by sharing other local installations and providing information on economic development opportunities. Economic development organizations may also be aware of existing solar ordinances in the consumer's county or municipality.
South Carolina Solar Habitat Act
On June 1, 2018, Governor McMaster signed into law the South Carolina Solar Habitat Act. Through this legislation, the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) established a framework for a voluntary solar habitat certification program and guidance for assisting solar developers in establishing solar sites as pollinator-friendly habitats. The SCDNR has developed a Solar Habitat Guide and certification program for solar farms. If a consumer is interested in solar habitat development, they may contact SCDNR via email or call (803) 734-4199.
Inverters
An inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar electric system. This device converts direct-current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to alternating-current (AC) electricity, which is transmitted and distributed to customers over the electric grid. More information on inverters can be found on the US Department of Energy’s Solar Integration: Inverters and Grid Services Basics page.
Decommissioning Solar Panels
Although solar panels could last 25 years or longer, every project must consider the ultimate disposal of the solar installation. Many decisions on decommissioning solar installations are made at the local level, so consumers may contact their local government to ask about any requirements for disposing of the system.
The USDOE and national organizations are conducting research to support solar panel end-of-life solutions. Learn more at the USDOE’s End-of-Life Management for Solar Photovoltaics webpage.
In 2022, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) (now SC Department of Environmental Services) was directed to develop regulations and guidance on the end-of-life management of solar panels and batteries and the decommissioning of solar projects in excess of 13 acres. You can read the published Final Report on the Activities Conducted to Establish a Program for End-of-Life Management of Photovoltaic Modules and Energy Storage System in the following link: stakeholder report.