Solar farm coming to Columbus Co. | News

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - When people attend the Columbus County Fair this fall, animals and rides likely won't be the only attractions -- fairgoers could see dozens of solar panels next to the fair.

Last month, Columbus County's Economic Director Gary Lanier announced the rural county would soon be receiving a winery set to export wine to China. Now, he's announced solar farm is on the way.

he columbus county fairgrounds are empty around this time of year... But during the fall thousands attend one of the largest fairs in our area.

The county's economic director, Gary Lanier, says that Carolina Solar, a company from the Durham area, has purchased some of the land that fair organizers use.

According to Lanier, the company will use about 40 acres, will install solar panels, and will sell power created by the panels to Progress Energy.

Lanier says the owners of Carolina Solar are hoping to start building the farm this fall, adding that normally it's $20 million to install a solar farm, but due to new legislation that encourages alternative energy, 80 percent of that cost would be eliminated.

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