Renewable energy company Sol Systems and tech giant Google have announced an expanded commitment to funding community organizations in North and South Carolina, furthering their collaboration to develop new solar energy projects and support local communities. This initiative, first announced in 2023, aims to address energy inequity and promote sustainability in underserved areas.
The companies’ partnership, established through a Tax Credit Servicing and Community Impact Agreement, enters its second year with a focus on deploying capital to support vital investments in local community organizations. Notable beneficiaries include Roanoke Electric Cooperative in North Carolina, Santee Electric Cooperative, Aiken Electric Cooperative, and the Sustainability Institute of South Carolina.
Sol Systems Senior Director of Impact, Adaora Ifebigh, expressed excitement about continuing the collaboration with Google and dedicated partners in North and South Carolina. The collaboration aims to expand opportunities for communities across the United States, particularly in reducing energy burdens for households in need.
To date, Sol Systems and Google’s joint efforts have led to investments in home pre-weatherization and safety upgrades, aimed at reducing energy costs for low- and moderate-income families.
Katie Ottenweller, Southeast Lead for Energy Policy & Markets at Google, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting low-income communities in North and South Carolina through clean energy projects and community investments.
Representatives from the beneficiary organizations also shared their enthusiasm for the collaboration’s impact on their communities. Bryan Cordell, Executive Director of The Sustainability Institute of South Carolina, highlighted the life-changing impact of last year’s initiatives and expressed goals to further scale the program’s impact in 2024.
Kevin Myers, Manager of Marketing at Santee Electric Cooperative, emphasized the positive response from members and outlined plans to address critical health, safety, and energy efficiency issues in the upcoming year.
Gary Stooksbury, CEO of Aiken Electric Cooperative, and Marshall Cherry, President and CEO of Roanoke Cooperative, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the tangible benefits experienced by community members and outlining ambitious goals to deepen the collaboration’s impact in 2024.
As Sol Systems and Google renew their commitment to supporting local communities and reducing energy burdens, stakeholders can anticipate further progress toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future in North and South Carolina.
Sol Systems and Google’s continued partnership underscores their shared commitment to promoting clean energy and supporting communities in North and South Carolina. Through targeted investments and collaborative efforts, the companies aim to address energy inequities and promote sustainability, paving the way for a brighter future for all.
