The facility will be built on Pine Thicket Road, adjacent to the existing Eastover Solar farm.
EASTOVER, S.C. — A major investment in renewable energy is underway in Richland County. County Council has approved plans for a new 75-megawatt solar facility in Eastover, which will be developed by Pontiac Solar LLC. The project represents a $112.5 million investment and is expected to be fully operational by 2028.
The facility will be built on Pine Thicket Road, adjacent to the existing Eastover Solar farm. While both sites are unaffiliated, the new project is part of what local leaders call a growing “footprint” for renewable energy in the Midlands.
According to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, factors such as land size, proximity to transmission lines, and nearby substations are all key to determining whether a site is viable for solar development.
Dr. Adel Nasiri, an endowed professor of electrical engineering at the University of South Carolina, says the Pontiac project reflects a larger trend.
“The biggest new generation source of electricity in the country is solar. It’s by far the biggest,” Nasiri said.
Once online, the solar farm will contribute directly to the Dominion Energy grid. Under current South Carolina law, utility companies are required to purchase power from any renewable source that develops within their service area.
Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey, who also co-chairs the Columbia Area Development Partnership, says the project is both a clean energy win and an economic one.
“That would be enough power to cover areas of Eastwood, Blythewood, and Irmo combined,” Mackey said.
Pontiac Solar LLC will also enter into a 30-year fixed tax incentive agreement with Richland County, ensuring the county receives consistent revenue throughout the project’s lifespan.
Richland County Council continues to be open to energy options coming to our county,” Mackey added. “And I think this is an example of being able to offer another energy source.”
WLTX reached out to Pontiac Solar for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.