Summary:

The Energy Freedom Act lifts caps on the number of rooftop solar installations in the state and extends contracts to 10 years to big solar energy producers that can deliver electricity for below the cost of traditional utilities. The bill also guarantees that homeowners or others who generate power with solar panels can sell that power to utilities for a credit.

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Main Article:

The solar industry commended the South Carolina for passing a landmark energy bill, The Energy Freedom Act, on a bipartisan vote, and urged the House to quickly approve the measure and send it to Gov. McMaster for his signature.

Following is a statement on the bill’s passage from Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association: 

“After a unanimous vote in the South Carolina House, we are glad to see that the Senate also approved this critical legislation, which will lower electricity bills and create jobs across The Palmetto State. That the bill passed with strong bipartisan support is a testament to the hard work of our many partners and allies in the state, and clean energy champions in the Legislature.

“We urge the House to quickly offer final approval of the bill, and for swift action from Governor McMaster so clean energy can resume its growth in the Palmetto State.”

The state House already gave its approval. Now the bill heads to Governor Henry McMaster's desk for signature.

If enacted, this legislation would: 

• Require the Public Service Commission to initiate a new proceeding to review and approve rates and terms provided to large-scale solar facilities, ensuring contract terms are reasonable for such projects;
   
• allow large energy consumers, such as industrial manufacturers, to negotiate directly with a renewable energy supplier to more easily realize savings from solar;
   
• eliminate the net metering caps and extend the existing residential solar rates for two years until the Public Service Commission determines a successor program;
   
• provide for more transparency and competition in long-term utility generation planning; and
   
• give the Public Service Commission the authority to establish a new neighborhood community solar program with the opportunity to expand solar access to low-income customers.

South Carolina installed more than 400 megawatts of new solar electric generating capacity in 2017, but saw slower growth in 2018 with less than 150 megawatts installed. This legislation is critical to restarting that growth, lowering electricity bills and creating new jobs across the state.