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
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
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
Picture this: it’s a bright Monday morning and the treasurer of your church—or city hall or library—opens the monthly utility bill with a smile. Instead of another painful surprise, the cost is steady, predictable, and a fraction of what it used to be. That’s the power of solar energy, and it’s transforming how nonprofits and public facilities manage their budgets.
Electricity is often one of the largest expenses for nonprofit organizations. Every dollar spent on kilowatt-hours is a dollar not spent on outreach, staff, or new programs. Solar panels generate clean, predictable energy that can trim thousands off annual utility bills and protect budgets from sudden rate hikes. A church in Greenville, SC, recently reported saving enough on electricity to fund a new children’s summer program—proof that energy savings can quickly ripple into community impact.
A roof covered with solar panels sends a message. Members, donors, and residents see that you care about the planet and the community. That kind of leadership often attracts grants, sponsorships, and new donations. Imagine walking past a library that proudly displays its solar production on a digital sign—it not only powers the lights but sparks conversations and civic pride.
Even if you don’t pay taxes, programs such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and state incentives let you benefit from federal tax credits and reduced energy rates with little or no upfront cost. Partnering with a solar company like BV Power can unlock these savings without straining your budget.
A community arts center in Columbia partnered with a local utility to install rooftop panels and now hosts monthly “Solar Tours,” where visitors learn about renewable energy while attending art exhibits—turning their building into both a cultural and educational hub.
For more information, click on ricksq.live/bvpower-solar.