R.W. Squires and Associates, LLC
Taking advantage of emerging markets to give you opportunities to make AND save money at home and at your business !
With Duke Energy Carolinas’ proposal in July to increase electricity rates, it’s important to look at how those rates are determined and what role the Public Service Commission of South Carolina plays in setting those rates.
Read more from the Greenville Journal October 23, 2025 article at https://greenvillejournal.com/news/explainer-how-electric-utility-rates-are-set-in-sc/
Learn how you can save at ricksq.live/bvpower-solar
Before diving into system design, start with an energy and critical-load audit. Determine:
This defines the system’s solar size and battery storage capacity, and helps determine if existing diesel generators can be supplemented or partially replaced.
Many water treatment and pumping facilities rely on diesel generators during grid outages. While diesel generators provide reliable power, they have some limitations:
Solar + battery storage can provide several advantages:
Real-world example: During Hurricane Florence (2018), several utilities on the U.S. East Coast struggled with diesel delivery to backup generators. Facilities with battery + solar microgrids were able to maintain critical water pumping for hours without refueling.
Formula:
Battery capacity (kWh) = Critical load (kW) × Hours of autonomy × (1 ÷ usable DoD) × (1 ÷ system efficiency)
Where:
Example 1: Regional Airport Backup
Example 2: Medium Water Treatment Plant
Tip: Batteries can be sized to partially offset diesel load, covering essential systems until fuel resupply is available or extending generator runtime during prolonged events.
This phased approach keeps costs manageable and allows for scaling as technology and incentives evolve.
1. FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and Discretionary Grants
The FAA funds infrastructure and sustainability projects, including solar farms, EV charging, and electrification. Recent grants have gone to airports in Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia for solar installations. For more information, visit the FAA’s official website: FAA Grants.
2. EPA Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF/DWSRF)
These programs provide low-interest loans or principal forgiveness for eligible energy projects at public utilities. Many water treatment facilities have used these to install on-site solar + battery systems to supplement or replace partial diesel generator use. Learn more here: EPA CWSRF.
3. USDA REAP (Rural Energy for America Program)
For rural communities and utilities, REAP offers up to 50% grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy projects, including solar and battery storage. More details can be found at: USDA REAP.
4. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Public-private partnerships or third-party PPAs can use the 30% federal ITC plus bonus credits for domestic content or energy communities.
5. State and Local Incentives
Programs vary, but utilities and states may offer additional rebates or net-metering benefits. Always check DSIREusa.org for current opportunities.
| Project Type | Solar Size | Approx. Cost | Battery Add-On | Payback (with Grants) |
| Small airport (1 MW) | $1.2M – $1.6M | +$400K–$800K for BESS | 8–12 years | |
| Medium water plant (3 MW) | $3.5M – $4.5M | +$1.5M–$2.5M for BESS | 10–15 years | |
| Large airport (5 MW+) | $6M+ | +$3M+ for BESS | 12–18 years |
(Actual costs vary by site, land prep, and interconnection needs.)
Combining solar + battery storage with existing diesel generators transforms emergency resilience for water utilities and airports. By reducing diesel dependency, extending generator runtime, and providing instant power during storms or hurricanes, these systems make critical infrastructure more reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable.
Even partial solar + battery setups can ensure facilities maintain essential services when fuel supply chains are disrupted — a lesson reinforced during recent hurricanes.
Learn more at ricksq.live/bvpower-solar
A Growing Need for Resilient Energy
Airports and water treatment plants are the beating hearts of public infrastructure. When the grid goes down, these facilities must keep running — planes still land, and water still needs to flow. That’s why more municipalities and utilities are turning to solar energy combined with battery storage to improve both reliability and cost stability.
Unlike homes or small businesses, these facilities operate 24/7. Their energy bills can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per month, driven by lighting, HVAC, pumps, and safety systems. Solar helps flatten those costs while adding the crucial advantage of energy independence.
1. Cost Control and Long-Term Savings
Solar reduces dependence on grid electricity, shielding airports and utilities from rate spikes. For example:
2. Resilience and Emergency Operation
During storms, blackouts, or supply chain disruptions, on-site solar with storage can power critical loads — control systems, runway lights, pumps, and treatment equipment — for hours or days.
A particularly important application is supplementing diesel generators at water utilities. Many facilities rely on diesel during outages, but hurricanes or other extreme weather can disrupt fuel delivery. Solar + batteries provide instant, on-site power, reducing generator runtime, conserving fuel, and ensuring water continues to flow when deliveries are delayed.
Real-world example: During Hurricane Florence (2018), utilities on the U.S. East Coast struggled to get diesel to backup generators. Facilities with battery + solar microgrids were able to maintain critical water pumping for hours without relying on delivered fuel.
3. Environmental and Community Impact
Water and wastewater plants often rank among a city’s top energy users. Switching to solar significantly reduces carbon emissions and supports sustainability mandates, while airports use their visibility to demonstrate leadership in clean energy adoption.
Backup and resilience note: Some of these facilities combine solar + battery systems with diesel generators to form a hybrid emergency solution — solar handles short-term outages and peak daytime loads, while generators provide long-duration backup when needed.
Solar installations at airports and utilities aren’t just about going green — they’re about protecting essential services from energy price volatility and grid failures. With today’s combination of low panel costs, federal and state incentives, and available grant programs, solar has become both a strategic investment and a public safety asset.
Solar for airports and water plants is no longer experimental — it’s an essential part of modern infrastructure planning.
The next step is determining how to size your system, choose the right backup configuration, and secure funding, which we’ll cover in the next blog post.
Learn more at ricksq.live/bvpower-solar
Manufacturers face pressure to cut costs while meeting sustainability goals. Solar provides a competitive edge in both areas.
Lower energy expenses free up resources to invest in staff, technology, or price competitiveness. A textile plant in the Carolinas reinvested solar savings to upgrade machinery, improving both quality and output.
Major retailers and corporate buyers increasingly prefer suppliers with clean energy practices, giving solar-powered manufacturers an advantage when competing for contracts.
A commitment to renewable energy strengthens brand reputation and attracts talent that values environmental responsibility—a key factor for younger workers seeking purpose-driven employers. One midwestern food processing plant even added “Made with Solar Energy” labels to its packaging, winning new contracts with national grocery chains that prioritize sustainable suppliers.
For more information, click on ricksq.live/bvpower-solar.
Think of kW (kilowatt) as your system’s instant power capacity — like the horsepower of your car. It tells you how much electricity your panels can produce or an appliance can draw at a single moment.
kWh (kilowatt-hour) is the energy actually used over time — like the miles you drive your car. It’s how utility companies measure your electricity consumption and determine your bill.
Imagine running a 1,500-watt space heater:
Your bill isn’t based on the instantaneous 1.5 kW — it’s based on the total kWh over time.
A 7 kW solar system might produce 10,000 kWh per year. That’s roughly the energy an average South Carolina household uses for:
Understanding the difference helps homeowners size their solar system properly and estimate monthly and annual savings.
Think of kW as your car’s engine size, and kWh as the distance you can travel. A bigger engine (more kW) doesn’t always mean you’ll go farther (more kWh) unless you use it efficiently.
To learn more, click on ricksq.live/BVPower-solar
Have you ever looked at a rooftop covered in solar panels and wondered, “How does that actually power someone’s home?”
The answer is surprisingly simple — and pretty amazing.
Solar power starts with something called a photovoltaic (PV) cell, which is just a fancy word for “light-to-electricity converter.” Each solar panel is made up of dozens of these little cells. When sunlight hits them, the energy from the sun’s rays knocks electrons loose inside the cell — and those moving electrons create an electric current.
That current is direct current (DC) — the same kind your phone charger or car battery uses. But your home runs on alternating current (AC), so the power passes through an inverter that “translates” it into electricity your lights, TV, and air conditioner can use.
In other words, your roof becomes a mini power plant that feeds clean electricity directly into your home.
Think of your solar system like a garden.
You plant panels instead of seeds, sunlight is your fertilizer, and your “harvest” is electricity.
During the day, while you’re at work and your panels are soaking up the sun, they’re generating more power than you’re using. That extra power doesn’t go to waste — it flows back into the electric grid through a system called net metering (which we’ll cover in an upcoming post). You earn credits for that power, which can offset the energy you use at night when the sun isn’t shining.
So, on a bright day, you’re not just a homeowner — you’re a homegrown energy producer.
Let’s put it into real-world terms.
A typical home solar setup might be around 7 kilowatts (kW) in size. That system can produce roughly 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year — enough to power the average South Carolina home.
Here’s what that looks like in action:
Over a year, that energy can offset 60–100% of your electric usage depending on your home size, location, and lifestyle.
Now let’s talk about the part everyone loves — lower bills.
When you generate your own power, you buy less from the utility company. Every kWh your panels produce is one you don’t have to pay for.
If your monthly bill is $180, and your system offsets 80% of your usage, you’re saving about $144 per month — that’s over $1,700 per year.
And with incentives like the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and South Carolina solar credits, you could reduce the upfront cost by 30–45%, depending on your situation.
Over time, those savings really shine — most systems pay for themselves within 6–9 years, then keep generating free electricity for 20+ more.
Beyond the financial savings, solar also reduces your carbon footprint — every kilowatt-hour from your panels keeps about 1 pound of CO₂ out of the atmosphere.
That means a typical solar-powered home prevents 4–5 tons of emissions per year — the same as planting over 100 trees annually!
So every time the sun rises, your panels are quietly helping both your wallet and the planet.
Learn more at ricksq.live/bvpower-solar
Across the country, libraries, fire stations, and schools are cutting costs and inspiring communities by switching to solar. These buildings often have large roofs and daytime operating hours—perfect conditions for maximum solar production.
When a local fire station installs solar panels, residents see renewable energy in action every time they drive by. A single installation can spark dozens of home solar inquiries, creating a ripple of clean energy adoption throughout the neighborhood.
Savings on utility bills free up funds for new programs, technology upgrades, and staff improvements that everyone notices. A library in Georgia redirected its solar savings to expand Wi-Fi access and purchase new computers—benefits that serve the entire town. Similarly, a city hall in Asheville, NC, installed a solar canopy over its parking lot, producing clean energy while giving employees and visitors shaded parking, earning praise from residents and local businesses alike.
What kind of ideas can you think of to enhance your community?
For more information, click on ricksq.live/bvpower-solar.
Did you know that millions of families in the U.S. are uninsured or underinsured? Life insurance isn’t just about protecting money — it’s about protecting people.
When something unexpected happens, the last thing your loved ones should worry about is how to pay the bills or keep their home. Yet too often, families are forced to crowdsource funds just to cover funeral costs or living expenses.
With the right term life insurance plan, you can make sure your family has the financial support they need — from mortgage payments to college tuition and everything in between.
Term life insurance is simple, affordable, and focused on what matters most — security for your family. You choose how much coverage you want and for how long, and you only pay for the time you need it.
No hidden fees, no complicated riders. Just straightforward protection when your family needs it most.
We get it — nobody wants to spend hours with an insurance agent filling out forms or scheduling medical exams. That’s why Ladder Life makes getting covered quick and completely digital.
With Ladder, you can apply online in minutes:
If you need more than $3 million in coverage, you may be asked to complete a quick, free at-home health check — that’s it!
1️⃣ Tell us about yourself
2️⃣ See if you’re instantly approved
3️⃣ Activate your policy
Once approved, your coverage starts right away — no delays, no phone calls, and no pressure.
Here’s the quick math: 10x your annual salary.
It might sound like a lot, but it’s a realistic number when you think about everything that money can cover:
🏡 Mortgage payments
🎓 College tuition
💳 Debt or daily expenses
☂️ An emergency fund for peace of mind
Need help figuring it out? Ladder offers an easy-to-use coverage calculator to help you find the perfect amount of protection.
Not sure if it’s right for you? No problem. Ladder gives you a full refund if you cancel within the first 30 days.
After that, you can cancel anytime with no cancellation fees. Total flexibility, zero stress.
It only takes a few minutes to get covered — and you can do it right now, online, without ever talking to an agent.
Don’t wait until “someday.” Your family’s financial security starts today.
👉 Get your instant quote at ricksq.live/LadderQuote
Protect your family. Secure your future. Sleep better knowing you’re covered.
A small church on a busy corner dreams of lowering its electric bill by going solar, but there’s one big concern: “We don’t pay taxes—so how could we possibly afford this?”
That’s a question many churches, nonprofits, and community organizations ask. The good news is this: you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company with deep pockets to make solar happen. Thanks to today’s creative financing options, nonprofits can reduce energy costs, free up money for mission work, and make a lasting impact—all without draining savings or taking on overwhelming debt.
Let’s walk through some practical ways it’s being done across the country.
Smart Workarounds That Make Solar Possible
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
Think of a PPA as a “pay as you go” plan for solar. Here’s how it works: a solar partner installs the system at no upfront cost, takes advantage of the federal tax credits that nonprofits can’t use directly, and then sells you the electricity at a discounted rate compared to what you’re paying your utility.
For example, a church in Georgia partnered with a solar provider under a PPA and instantly saw a 20% drop in their monthly energy costs. No roof loans, no maintenance headaches—the solar company handled it all. The church simply paid for the clean power it used, at a lower rate.
This structure allows nonprofits to capture the benefits of solar without having to own the system outright.
Solar Leases
If a PPA is “pay as you go,” a solar lease is like leasing a car. Instead of buying panels, you agree to pay a fixed monthly fee for access to solar power. That means predictable energy costs and the peace of mind that comes with not being responsible for maintenance.
One nonprofit food bank in South Carolina signed a solar lease that immediately stabilized their energy budget. Instead of worrying about rising utility bills during peak summer months, they now pay the same fixed lease rate, freeing up funds to serve more families.
Both PPAs and leases are excellent workarounds for nonprofits who want the benefits of solar power without the heavy lift of ownership.
Donor-Driven Power
Churches and nonprofits already know the power of community. When solar becomes a mission, supporters often rally around it in creative ways.
“Solar Sundays”: Congregations dedicate a special offering day once a month toward funding solar. It doesn’t feel like a burden, but over a year it can add up significantly.
Engraved Keepsakes: One North Carolina church raised funds by selling engraved roof tiles as keepsakes. Each family had their name etched into the legacy of the project, creating both financial support and a sense of ownership.
Watts of Faith Wall: A rural Tennessee church created an interactive mural where families could “buy a watt” of future solar power. Each donor’s name was proudly displayed inside the fellowship hall. This not only raised money but also created a visible reminder of the congregation’s shared commitment to sustainability.
These approaches do more than fund a project—they create unity, excitement, and pride. The solar installation becomes a visible symbol of faith in action and community resilience.
Grants and Incentives: Hidden Treasure for Nonprofits
Here’s something many nonprofits don’t realize: even without tax benefits, there’s still a lot of money on the table.
State Programs & Municipal Grants: Some states provide direct solar rebates or credits to nonprofits, reducing project costs by thousands of dollars. For example, South Carolina has a 25% State tax credit available.
USDA Rural Energy Funds: Perfect for rural churches and nonprofits, these grants can cover 10% of renewable energy project costs.
Utility Company Rebates: Certain utilities offer direct cash incentives for going solar, especially when paired with energy efficiency upgrades.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting: in South Carolina, for example, nonprofits may be able to pair state solar tax credits with utility rebates from providers like Dominion Energy. When combined with federal programs such as USDA grants, a nonprofit could dramatically reduce—or even eliminate—the upfront cost of solar.
The magic happens when these are bundled together. An experienced installer can help combine PPAs, leases, and grants into a customized package—sometimes making solar nearly cost-free for nonprofits.
For example, one Midwest nonprofit paired a USDA grant with a PPA and cut their power bills in half while paying nothing out of pocket to get started. The savings now fund scholarships for local youth.
Why This Matters for Your Location
No matter where you’re located, chances are good that at least one of these options is available to you. Energy costs are rising everywhere, and churches and nonprofits are among the groups hit hardest. Going solar doesn’t just lower bills—it frees up resources for ministry, community outreach, and core mission work.
Imagine your congregation gathering under solar-powered lights. Imagine your nonprofit feeding more families or funding more programs because the electric bill shrank. These are real outcomes happening for organizations across the country, and your community could be next.
Final Thought
Solar power isn’t just for big corporations or wealthy institutions. With creative financing solutions like PPAs, leases, grants, and community-driven fundraising, it’s possible for any church or nonprofit to embrace clean energy and save money in the process.
The path is simpler than you might think—and the impact lasts for decades.
For more information, click on ricksq.live/bvpower-solar
When I was younger—full of energy and blissfully unaware of the phrase “work smarter, not harder”—I had no problem running back and forth to help Mom unload groceries after her BIG weekly shopping spree. Back then, it felt like we had dozens of heavy brown paper bags, but no matter. I was a human freight train, shuttling from car to kitchen without a second thought.
These days, I’m older, allegedly smarter, and living in a second-floor apartment. The grocery chore hasn’t magically gotten easier—if anything, it’s become a sneaky form of stair-climbing cardio. Sure, today’s plastic bags come with handles (hallelujah!), but the teenage baggers packing them don’t know the ancient art of strategic bag distribution.
They toss a couple of random items in each bag like they’re drawing raffle tickets. Hot with cold. Milk jugs next to bread. Soup cans sharing space with bananas. And since they don’t pay for the bags, they’ll use twenty when five would do.
So there I stand, staring at what looks less like groceries and more like an army of flimsy plastic warriors. A hundred bags. Two flights of stairs. One aging but determined warrior (me). My brilliant idea? Take them all in one trip. Because clearly, making multiple trips is for quitters.
I looped bag after bag over my arms until I looked like a Christmas tree made entirely of groceries. I took my first step and felt the blood drain from my hands. By the third step, I was questioning all my life choices. By the time I reached the top, my arms looked like they’d been attacked by an angry raccoon. So much for working smarter.
But salvation arrived in the form of a small, genius invention—proof that somewhere out there, entrepreneurs actually care about our daily battles. This little gadget lets you hook all the bags together, conquer the stair climb like a champion, and, most importantly, avoid the deep, temporary arm grooves that make strangers ask, “What happened to you?”
Now I breeze up those stairs like a grocery-hauling ninja. And here’s the kicker: this miracle tool isn’t just for groceries. Anything is fair game. Laundry bags, bundles of hangers from the dry cleaners, and even paint cans with their finger-groove-making wire handles.
Do yourself (and your arms) a favor. Work smarter. Check it out here: https://amzn.to/46Eaa0L
PS: The only downside? You’ll miss the nostalgic sound of paper bags tearing halfway up the stairs.