Rock Hill is encouraging green energy use through multiple proactive initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy adoption and education. One major effort is Duke Energy’s Solar Rebate Program, which has provided substantial rebates to schools, businesses, and residential customers in Rock Hill to install solar systems. A notable example is the installation of a 230-kilowatt solar array at Independence Elementary School, which not only supplies clean energy but also serves as an educational tool for students in STEM fields. Duke Energy’s program, fueled by state legislation Act 236, has helped South Carolina become one of the top states for solar energy, supporting over 5,000 customers with rooftop solar installations.
Additionally, the City of Rock Hill offers a Green Power Program that allows residents to voluntarily purchase sustainable electricity generated from resources like sunshine, wind, and landfill gas. By buying blocks of Green Power, customers support renewable energy production and fund educational programs such as the Solar Schools initiative, which raises awareness about environmental preservation and energy conservation.
Rock Hill homeowners also benefit from various solar incentives including state tax credits, property tax exemptions, and rebates from utility programs like Santee Cooper’s EmpowerSolar. These financial incentives reduce the upfront cost of solar panel installations, helping make clean energy more accessible. Furthermore, local businesses are embracing solar energy, as demonstrated by Atlas Copco’s installation of a large solar panel system expected to save significant energy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Through these combined efforts—rebate programs, educational partnerships, voluntary green power purchases, and financial incentives—Rock Hill is fostering a community-wide shift towards greener energy use while supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.
SOURCES
[1](https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/duke-energy-helps-south-carolina-customers-go-solar-with-more-than-50-million-in-rebates)
[2](https://www.cityofrockhill.com/departments/utilities/residential-services/green-power-program)
[3](https://palmetto.com/local/south-carolina/rock-hill/)
[4](https://www.atlascopco.com/en-us/news/latest-news/atlas-copco-solar-panel-installation-save-57-percent-in-energy)
[5](https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/departments/operations/energy-and-sustainability/green-apple-energy-conservation-program)
