Solar Energy

The Sun is essentially a huge power plant sending out waves of energy made up of small particles called Photons. These photons enter the earth’s atmosphere and are responsible for the heat and light that we receive from the sun. When these photons hit the surface of a photovoltaic cell (The large panels on houses, calculators, or in solar energy farms) they help produce an electrical current that can be tapped for use in appliances. This energy is no different than the energy created by electric utilities; only the environmentally-friendly process by which it is created is different.

Wind Energy

Wind energy is created by a using wind from all over the planet and converting it into electrical energy. Kinetic energy from wind is turned into mechanical energy by the spinning blades of wind turbines. Generators, also located inside of the turbines, use this mechanical energy to create electrical energy for use in homes or distribution in local power grids. This energy is no different than the energy created by electric utilities; only the environmentally-friendly process by which it is created is different.

South Carolina Wind Mapping Study Maps

In 2005 Santee Cooper, the South Carolina Energy Office and the US Department of Energy funded a wind map study of South Carolina. The study was conducted by TrueWind and the results have been validated by consulting meteorologists. Click on the graphic to the left to review the maps on the SC Energy Office website.