White Palmetto Solar
SC
Sumter County
170
Megawatts
1,700
Acres
35,000
Homes
White Palmetto Solar
Delivering Reliable, Homegrown Energy for a Stronger South Carolina
White Palmetto Solar is a proposed 170-megawatt utility-scale solar project designed to bring affordable, reliable power to South Carolina while delivering long-term economic benefits for Sumter County.
If approved, White Palmetto Solar will generate $765,000 in new tax revenue each year, create more than 300 construction jobs, and support local community organizations through ongoing investment — all without raising local taxes.
By adding clean, homegrown energy to the regional grid, the project supports the goals of South Carolina’s Energy Freedom Act of 2019 and Energy Security Act of 2025, which prioritize competitive, affordable, and diversified energy generation to meet the state’s rapidly increasing power demand.
Images are similar to the site but not actual. The Project has not started construction.
Images are similar to the site but not actual. The Project has not started construction.
Project Status
Local Review:
Treaty Oak applied for a Special Exception Permit with the Sumter County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). While the application met most local requirements, including detailed studies on viewsheds, glare, wildlife, and wetlands, the BZA voted against the project in May 2025.
Community Feedback:
In response to the BZA decision and community feedback, Treaty Oak adjusted the project’s design to address local priorities by increasing the setback along Black River Road, adding wildlife-friendly fencing, incorporating native vegetation, and refining the layout to maintain wildlife movement and visual harmony in the landscape.
Next Steps:
Treaty Oak has applied for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Convenience and Necessity (CECPCN) with the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC). This process allows the project to be evaluated on its technical merits and statewide benefits, including improved energy reliability, affordability, and security.
Estimated Project Development Timeline
Bringing Economic Benefits to the Community
If approved, White Palmetto Solar will generate $765,000 in new tax revenue, delivering critical financial support for local services and the Sumter School District;
Income for families across the region through the creation of more than 300 good-paying, local construction jobs;
New services and supply opportunities for local vendors, suppliers, and other businesses, and
$200,000 has been pledged to the community, and Treaty Oak plans to continue to be a good community member and give back where it is most needed as we identify new opportunities to give back.
Environmental Stewardship
White Palmetto Solar is designed to coexist with the landscape and protect the natural environment.
Pollinator-friendly vegetation will cover the site, improving soil health and supporting biodiversity.
Native grasses will protect topsoil and allow land to recover valuable nutrients.
Minimal emissions, water use, and noise once operational.
All equipment will be removed at the end of the project’s life, and the land will be restored for future timber or agricultural use.
Submit a Letter of Support
Join your neighbors in supporting White Palmetto Solar.
Shining Light on the Facts
White Palmetto Solar will not take up valuable farmland.
White Palmetto Solar will be located on approximately 1% of the available farmland in Sumter County. Farming remains the dominant land use in the County. The majority of the leased land is not prime farmland, nor has been historically used for agricultural production. Timber production is the predominant use on site. We are planning to plant native grasses and pollinator-friendly wildflowers to support soil health and nearby crops while the project is active, keeping the land productive for future generations.
Solar projects preserve and enhance local wildlife and habitat.
We know that Sumter County is home to beloved wildlife species that are important to the residents and the community as a whole. Aside from the temporary construction period, solar projects can be designed and operated to reduce impacts on wildlife. They have minimal moving parts, aside from the tracking systems that allow them to follow the sun. There are no lights aside from some motion-activated security lighting and safety lighting where the project connects to the existing grid, and they generate minimal sound. Additionally, the use of wildlife-friendly fencing will allow small animals to pass through, while larger animals will pass safely around the project.
Solar panels withstand extreme weather without releasing harmful materials.
Solar panels are designed to withstand extreme heat and cold. In fact, they are most productive when it’s cold. Even if damaged, solar panels do not leach toxic chemicals into the environment. While solar panels may contain small amounts of metals like cadmium, silver, or lead, working solar panels do not leach those toxic metals. They have a strong encapsulant that prevents leaching.
Evidence shows that solar does not decrease property values.
Several studies have been conducted to assess the impact of solar projects on nearby property values, and research shows there is no evidence that solar projects have adversely impacted the value of neighboring properties. Solar projects are designed to be quiet neighbors, and they come with local tax revenue that improves public services. By boosting the local economy and elevating the level of services available in communities, solar projects may, in fact, help support and increase local property values.
Contact Us
If you have questions, feedback, or would like to get in touch, please fill out the form below.
Treaty Oak Statement