This just in from the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce:

As odd as that may seem, South Carolina is stacking up very well in this new emerging industry.  Of the several different types of alternative energy, solar energy is receiving a good ole South Carolina welcome.  Due to the versatility, reliability, and the availability of tax credits, solar energy is no longer the "feel good" environmental alternative, but a fiscally responsible choice for all homeowners, businessowners, government agencies, manufacturing andc ommercial sectors of our local economy.

Traditionally, populous states like California, Colorado, New Jersey, and Florida have led the nation in solar energy installations.  This is in part due to the high utility cost that customers must face in tho;sestates.  South Carolina has been spared from this trend because our utility rates are among the lowest in the United States.  But that is changing and customers don't have to look far to realize the effects of these higher utility rates.  Because South Carolina has no real fossil fuel producing or refining capabilities, our utilities must import these resources.  Approximately, 95% of our oil, coal and natural gas all must be imported from other states or nations to satisfy our basic need to heat homes, power manufacturing plants, and keep our infrastructure operations.  Our lack of energy independence, not only on a national level, but a state level must be addressed.

Why not utilize one of our most rudimentary resources-the sun?  I don't have to try too hard to convince many of you that Columbia, South Carolina is "Famously Hot" for one reason; the gracious amount of sunshine this town receives is one resource that we can use to shift our energy dependence to energy independence.  By installing a solar energy system on your home, office building or manufacturingplant you are insulating yourself tom the inevitable rise of utility costs.  Instead of quarterly and even monthly rate increases from the utilities, a solar energy system produces electricity, or heat, but keeps the price you pay constant for the life of the system, now rated to last up to 40 years.  Oh, did I mention that solar energy systems have no moving parts and are maintenance free?

Well, solar energy systems are to expensive.

Well, not really.  Tax credits, property values, and net metering programs make the cost of any solar energy system very reasonable.  Currently, in the State of South Carolina, your business can take a 25% tax credit for the total installation of a solar energy system up to $3,500.  Add an additional 30% from Uncle Sam, with no maximum credit amount.  Non-profit organizations can take advantage of a special loan program offered by the South Carolina Energy Office.  The Energy Office administers a program called ConserFund, which lends 100% of the cost of a solar energy system between $25,000 and $100,000 at a low interest rate, this program applies to municipal governments as well.