Regulation 61-107.20 regarding Solar Energy Systems was published in the State Register May 24, 2024. After consulting with a diverse stakeholder group from 2022-2024, the final regulation addresses concerns and recommendations on the end-of-life management of solar panels and batteries as well as the decommission of solar projects in excess of 13 acres. Facility operators of ground solar systems larger than 13 acres are required to register via ePermitting within 180 days of enactment. Roof solar systems regardless of size are exempt from registration. The requirements of the regulation are outlined in Proviso 34.62 of the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 General Appropriations Bill and Act No. 119 effective January 27, 2022. A copy of the regulation can be found here.  
 
Solar energy provides renewable power and provides thousands of jobs in South Carolina. A megawatt (MW) is a unit of power equal to 1 million watts. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, South Carolina has more than 1,800 MW of installed Solar Photovoltaic Modules (Solar PV modules also known as solar panels). The state is projected to install another 1,300 solar panels in the next five years. 
 
There are, however, challenges. Solar panels must be managed appropriately at the end of their lifecycle. State and local officials are dealing with how to oversee decommissioning of large-scale projects. Concerns have been raised with the potential for environmental impacts of hazardous components sometimes found in solar panels. These and other issues were discussed as part of the stakeholder process.   

For more information, please email swregdev@des.sc.gov.