ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — A potential solar panel farm might be coming to the western side of Orangeburg.
That development has being given the code name “Project Cooper” while it’s being considered by council.
Right now Orangeburg has 6 active solar farms through the county.
Merle Johnson, is the executive director of Orangeburg County Development Commission.
Johnson says not only will the county benefit from property taxes but it will help attract more businesses interested in solar power.
“As industry continues to want to be carbon neutral, as their move towards that having access to renewable energy like solar farms becomes increasingly vital," said Johnson. "So that gives Orangeburg County the opportunity to hopefully look better for industries looking at the area.”
Johnson says this will also provide job diversity in the county.
“Work force development these renewable energy type companies bring especially solar farms," said Johnson. "Bring in opportunities for the youth to find a career in renewable energy.”
There will need to be a third reading before this project is passed by the Orangeburg County Council.