Anderson gains new farm as county becomes solar hotspot

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Anderson County residents may be sweating under the smolder of August’s dog days, but for domestic solar companies, it’s the heat of the moment. 

In May, a $2.7 million investment committed 600 acres along U.S. Highway 178 to Anderson Solar Farm LLC. Since 2018, Southern Current has been building out five $30 million solar farms in Piedmont, Powdersville and other locations across the county.

Now, North Carolina and California-based Cypress Creek Renewables has staked its claim on Anderson property to build a $68 million, 50-megawatt solar facility with the ability to power up to 9,100 home each year, according to a news release.

“We are thrilled to continue investing in South Carolina with a new 50MW solar facility in Anderson County,” Sarah Slusser, CEO of Cypress Creek Renewables, said in the news release. “This project will add to the low-cost, emission-free electricity available for South Carolinians while also providing new tax revenue and jobs. We are grateful to Anderson County leaders and the state of South Carolina for continued support and collaboration and look forward to growing this partnership in the years ahead.” 

Founded in 2014, the company currently operates 27 solar facilities that can generate a total 520 megawatts of solar capacity across South Carolina. The company develops, owns and operates utility-scale and distributed solar and energy storage projects across the country.

“When companies like Cypress Creek build on existing investments in South Carolina, it powers the communities and the people who live there,” Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey said in the release. “Congratulations to this great company, and we look forward to their continued work in the renewable energy industry.”

A few locations of other farms across the state include Orangeburg County’s Palmetto Plains and Huntly facilities, as well as Lexington County’s Gaston Solar Farm.

The company has corporate offices in Asheville; Durham, N.C.; San Francisco; and Santa Monica, Calif.