Texas Developer Takes on Solar Power Challenges in South Carolina

News Summary

TOCE Solar is appealing to the South Carolina Public Service Commission to overturn a local rejection of their solar farm project in Sumter County. The developer plans to utilize 1,700 acres for renewable energy generation, despite community concerns over environmental impacts and land usage. With a hearing approaching, the stakes are high for clean energy expansion in the region, balancing the need for sustainable energy against the preservation of local landscapes.

Texas Developer Takes a Stand for Solar Power in South Carolina

Sumter, South Carolina — A significant battle is brewing in the world of renewable energy as TOCE Solar, a budding subsidiary of Austin-based Treaty Oak Clean Energy, attempts to overturn Sumter County’s rejection of their ambitious solar farm project. The developer is appealing to the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) to reignite plans for a solar facility on a sprawling 1,700 acres of land located about 12 miles northwest of Sumter, near the junction of Borden and Black River roads.

Fighting Back After Rejection

In May 2025, local authorities delivered a unanimous blow to TOCE Solar when the Sumter City-County Board of Zoning Appeals decided against granting an exemption needed for the solar farm project. Residents raised concerns during public meetings, expressing worries over environmental impacts and potential damage to local wildlife. Additionally, some locals felt that placing a solar farm on prime agricultural land was not in harmony with the area’s character and suggested that industrial or urban spaces should be utilized instead.

TOCE Solar, however, is not backing down. On August 29, they submitted an application to the PSC, seeking to not only proceed with the project but also to prove its viability for the community. A hearing is slated for December, where the future of this solar farm will be carefully examined. The stakes are high, as the proposed facility promises to tap into clean, decarbonized energy sources to help meet the increasing electricity demands driven by economic growth and the rise of data centers.

A Renewable Energy Vision

The vision for the solar farm is to transform vast stretches of land into a hub for renewable energy, featuring racks of solar panels and essential equipment like inverters and transformers. It’s an ambitious project that aims to provide a sustainable alternative, diversifying South Carolina’s energy supply while phasing out the aging, carbon-intensive energy sources still prevalent in the region.

TOCE Solar envisions not only helping the environment but also providing solar-generated electricity to Santee Cooper, a state-owned utility, as well as Central Electric Power Cooperative. This venture could potentially light up homes for around 20 independent energy providers across South Carolina, aligning closely with the state’s broader energy goals.

The Local Perspective

While the developer is passionate about the project, sentiment in the community is mixed. Concerns are rife over the environmental implications of transforming agricultural land into industrial solar sites. Residents passionately voiced their opinions during discussions, putting local ecological balance at the forefront of their objections. They argued for solutions that would not disrupt the local wildlife and ecosystem.

TOCE Solar’s push for clean energy may argue well about meeting the electricity requirement but the resistance from the community makes it evident that every innovation has its critics. The PSC’s upcoming decision will play a critical role, and depending on the outcome, Sumter County might have to confront the pressing question: what is more important—embracing a greener energy future or preserving the quiet charm of its rural landscape?

What Lies Ahead

In the event the PSC declines TOCE Solar’s request, the project will stall, potentially forcing local utilities to explore more expensive energy alternatives. This could result in higher prices for consumers, further complicating the ever-evolving energy landscape of South Carolina. On the flip side, if the commission greenlights the solar farm, it may pave the way for further investments in renewable energy and lead to a shift in how electricity is generated within the state.

As the clock ticks towards the December hearing, all eyes will be on the PSC and their crucial decision that could either pave the path for green energy expansion or pull the emergency brake on an innovative project.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Post and Courier: Texas Developer Appeals Sumter County’s Rejection of Solar Farm Plans
• WLTX: Sumter County White Palmetto Solar Project 2025
• WISTV: Proposed Zoning for White Palmetto Solar Farm Denied
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy
• Google Search: Sumter County Solar Farm