A major solar energy project proposed in South Carolina is facing growing opposition from residents in the rural Cross community, even as supporters argue it could help meet future energy demands.
German energy company RWE wants to build a large solar farm called Sandy Run Solar across 1,500 acres of forest and farmland in northwestern Berkeley County.
The company has asked the Berkeley County Council to lift a development moratorium so the project can move forward through the zoning process.
Solar Project Would Cover 1,500 Acres
According to plans submitted by RWE Solar Development, the project would be part of a larger 7,500-acre development area.
The solar panels are expected to generate 198 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 37,500 homes.
The company said the project would connect to the power system operated by Santee Cooper and help address a projected energy shortage expected by 2029.
RWE stated that the lease on the land would last between 35 and 45 years. After the project ends, the company says it would remove and recycle the solar panels or dispose of them properly.
Most of the surrounding land would remain under the control of Alabama-based Tall Corn Forestry LLC.
Company Highlights Economic and Environmental Benefits
RWE says the project would generate more than $45 million in revenue for Berkeley County and local schools over time.
The company also stated that the solar farm would create up to 100 temporary construction jobs during the building phase, although only a small number of permanent jobs would remain after completion.
Plans for the project include growing blueberries underneath the solar panels and using fencing designed to allow wildlife movement through the area.
Supporters say the project could reduce dependence on fossil fuels and eventually help retire the nearby coal-powered Cross Generating Station.
Environmental Groups Support the Proposal
Coastal Conservation League supports the project.
Taylor Allred, the group’s energy and climate program director, called Sandy Run Solar one of the most responsibly developed solar projects proposed in the state.
Allred said the project would help reduce pressure on electric rates and support South Carolina’s growing energy needs, especially with increased demand from data centers.
He also argued that the project would have minimal environmental impact because only part of the larger tract would be used for solar panels.
Residents Fear Damage to Rural Community
Many residents in Cross strongly oppose the project and argue it would permanently change the rural character of the area.
Locals raised concerns about impacts on wildlife, nearby farms, wetlands, and residential properties.
Some residents also fear the development could eventually lead to industrial projects such as data centers being built on surrounding land.
Robert Barrett, a nearby landowner, said the area could be better used for farming, orchards, or small ranches instead of solar panels.
Another resident, Shantae Jenkins, questioned why the project was being proposed in Cross despite local opposition.
She argued that the community would bear any long-term environmental or quality-of-life impacts from the facility.
Local Political Leaders Oppose the Project
All candidates running for the Berkeley County District 7 council seat reportedly oppose the solar farm proposal.
Current Councilman Caldwell Pinckney Jr. also opposes the project, saying it offers little benefit to county residents.
County officials additionally raised concerns that the project could later seek tax incentives or financial breaks from the county.
County Council Vote Scheduled
The Berkeley County Council is expected to vote on whether to lift the development moratorium during a May 26 meeting.
Even if the moratorium is lifted, the project would still face several additional approval steps, including zoning reviews, planning commission votes, county council approvals, and review by the state’s Public Service Commission.
