South Carolina Ports Authority to install solar panels

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) last week announced plans to bring solar power to the Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant and the Columbus Street Terminal in Charleston, S.C.

The installation will mark the largest rooftop solar host in the state, port authority officials said in a press release.

The two solar panel arrays, which will generate 3.7 total megawatts of electricity, will be installed by summer.

The panels will significantly offset the port's energy usage by returning power to the grid during peak hours of energy demand, which will help the authority reduce its power costs.

"The solar project is an exciting step that deepens the port's ongoing efforts to be an environmental leader in our industry," said SCPA Chairman Pat McKinney.

Under a 25-year rooftop lease agreement, the panels will be owned and maintained by SolBright Renewable Energy LLC with no direct expense to SCPA, officials said.

The panels are expected generate $1.5 million or more in profit for the SCPA over the life of the lease.