Solar Energy Initiatives Inc., with operating divisions in solar project development, distribution and workforce training, recently made an announcement with the State of South Carolina and the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) to drive job creation and economic development through solar energy.
Solar Energy Initiatives will locate new facilities in Williamsburg County, creating a solar technology campus. The goal is to leverage the Port of Charleston and develop a showcase for solar technology, training, distribution and logistics, making Williamsburg County the solar capital of the east coast.
“We are very excited about our announcement with the State of South Carolina and the next stage of growth for Solar Energy Initiatives. We plan on creating a solar showcase for South Carolina, aiding the state’s effort to develop the jobs and businesses linked to the fast-growing solar economy. This also focuses our Renew the Nation campaign at the regional level, continuing our mission of economic development for small businesses in the construction trades,” said Chief Executive Officer David Fann. “We expect Renew South Carolina to generate over 200 jobs over the next few years, laying the groundwork for hundreds more as the state establishes itself in the solar marketplace.”
“I am thrilled that Solar Energy Initiatives, Inc. has made the decision to locate in the NESA Region of South Carolina.  The decision to locate in Williamsburg County is a testament to the strong work ethic and innovative nature of the people of this region and the belief that South Carolina is the place to be for this rapidly expanding industry,” said Senator Yancey McGill, chairman of the NESA executive committee.
NESA is a regional economic development organization that serves nine counties in northeast South Carolina including: Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Marlboro and Williamsburg.
With over 200,000 square feet of building space, the company plans on starting a solar academy to train new solar technicians and a distribution center for solar products. The location will also serve as a demonstration center for all types of solar installations including solar thermal (hot water) and solar photovoltaic rooftop and ground-mount systems. Finally, the plan includes co-locating major manufacturers of solar products used in residential and commercial applications. Solar Energy Initiatives is actively working with its supply chain to make this possible.
“South Carolina’s business-friendly climate, skilled workforce and strong market access continues to attract new opportunity to our state, and today’s announcement is another indication that our state has laid the groundwork necessary to attract investment from innovative and emerging industries,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
The first phase of the project involves the configuration of the 6,000 square-foot solar academy training center. Construction is expected to begin this spring with a ground-breaking ceremony to be announced at a future date.
For more information on Renew South Carolina, please contact: southcarolina@solarenergy.com.
About Solar Energy Initiatives Inc.
Solar Energy Initiatives Inc. (OTCBB: SNRY), d-b-a SNRY Solar, is a diversified provider of solar solutions with three principal operating groups focused on large-scale projects, solar education and distribution of solar products. The Project Services Group (PSG) is a developer and manager of municipal and commercial scale solar projects. The Solar Eos Group (SEG) is dedicated to the education and continuous improvement of solar energy trade professionals. The Integrated Supply Group (ISG) is a wholesale distributor of branded photovoltaic and thermal (water heating) systems selling via an exclusive network of dealers throughout the United States and the Caribbean.
While Solar Energy Initiatives Inc. is not a solar franchise or a manufacturer like Applied Materials, First Solar, Kyocera or Sanyo, the company does have distribution agreements with leading solar manufacturing companies like Canadian Solar, BP Solar, GE Solar, Suntech and others.
Through its diversified portfolio of solar businesses, the SNRY Solar is committed to restoring the nation’s economy through a grassroots campaign called ‘Renew the Nation’.  Renew the Nation brings together a broad alliance of public and private sector interests focused on workforce development, job creation and economic growth through solar energy. For more information please visit www.solarenergy.com.