C2 Energy Capital broke ground July 27 on the first of 4 South Carolina solar generation plants.

The 16MW Pelion plant, Diamond Solar, is expected to reach commercial operations by end of 2018. First-year production for the Diamond Solar plant is expected to be approximately 18,708 MWh.

The 4 new plants will make up a 51-megawatt portfolio.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster officiated the groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning.

The Diamond Solar plant is projected to generate an estimated $1.44 million in tax revenue over the lifetime of the project for South Carolina. Cumulatively, the four plants are expected to create approximately 340 craft labor area jobs during peak construction of the projects.

The projects were established by local Charleston based developer, Southern Current, and financed by Salt Lake City based Celtic Bank.

“Southern Current is committed to bringing a cheaper, more sustainable energy future to South Carolina. The Diamond plant is another step in that direction and we are excited to see it start construction.

“I’d also like to offer a special thank you to the forward-looking leadership in Lexington County who assisted us with developing this project,” said Bret Sowers, Vice President, Southern Current.

DEPCOM Power will direct the engineering, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance services for the 51-megawatt portfolio.

During the groundbreaking, DEPCOM Power’s CEO, Jim Lamon, announced donations to local outreach organizations on behalf of the project’s community stewardship commitment.

A $20,000 donation to Harvest Hope food bank was provided to Board Chairman Davis Bourne, along with an $18,000 donation to The Independence Fund, which provided a tracked mobility chair for a local wounded veteran.