JAN. 27, 2016 | A leading renewable energy independent power producer focused on development, engineering, procurement, construction and operations of utility scale and commercial solar installations is on track to invest more than $85 million to establish solar power operations in Allendale County.

Established in 2009 and headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., National Renewable Energy Corporation (NARENCO) has matured into one of the largest solar developers in North America and is currently ranked No. 6 in Solar Power World’s list of the nation’s top solar developers.

“NARENCO’s investment in Allendale is another example of a company seeing the opportunities being created by Team South Carolina’s approach to creating a business-friendly environment that companies from any industry can thrive in,” Gov. Nikki Haley said today. “We’re excited to welcome NARENCO to the South Carolina family, and to celebrate its $85 million investment in our state and our people.”

The firm has more than 65 solar facilities in various stages of development across the Southeast, with an additional 85 megawatts under long-term operations and maintenance contracts. In South Carolina, the firm is developing another 400 megawatts and seeks to invest more than $800 million across the state over the next five years.

“We are excited to advance one of the first large-scale solar facilities in South Carolina and look forward to being a new member of the Allendale County community,” said NARENCO Vice President of Development Jon Burke.. Once constructed, our renewable solar facility will provide significant discretionary property tax income along with delivering on-peak power to serve S.C. ratepayers when they need it most.  We are truly honored to partner with Allendale County and hope this facility is just the first of many such investments in the county and South Carolina at large

Expected to be operational by the end of 2017, the Allendale County facility, which is located off of River Road, will produce renewable solar energy from photovoltaic panels currently sized at 70 megawatts of alternating current (AC) in nameplate capacity, which by itself, is seven times larger than any one currently proposed Distributed Energy Resource project. One megawatt AC of solar energy is enough to provide clean energy to approximately 200 South Carolina homes.

“Allendale County welcomes NARENCO and their solar project to our family of alternative energy companies in our region. We appreciate the company’s investment in our county, which will assist with tax revenue to fund county services to our residents. We also appreciate this effort to provide innovative solutions to our state’s energy needs,” said Allendale County Council Chairman Mr. James Pinkney

SouthernCarolina Regional Development Alliance Chair Buddy Phillips added, “We appreciate NARENCO’s investment in our region, and we look forward to working with the company to grow their operations in Allendale County.  Renewable alternative energy sources will help diversify our energy sector while expanding the tax base in our rural areas.”

• For more information on NARENCO, visit narenco.com.