Sunruns expansion into new and emerging solar markets in the U.S. continued this week following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the firms new office and warehouse in Columbia, South Carolina.
Since entering the South Carolina market in June last year, Sunruns staff in the state has already risen to 130, with additional employment opportunities expected once the new facilities are up and running.
According to the residential solar lease provider, South Carolinas growing thirst for solar power made expansion into the state an easy decision thanks to the support of state policymakers in creating favorable conditions for residential PV to grow.
According to the Solar Foundation National Solar Jobs Census 2015, South Carolina currently supports 1,700 solar jobs, and that figure is expected to rise sharply over the course of the year.
Sunruns involvement in South Carolina has seen it secure more than 1,000 customers and add rooftop systems in Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, Charleston and Hilton Head. The company has also become an official partner of Minor League Baseball team the Columbia Fireflies as it seeks to build relations with local communities.
"The work of our committed employees in the state, and solar advocates like Senator Graham, produces a win-win for the local economy," said Sunrun CEO Lynn Jurich. Families save money every month and residents can take advantage of new job opportunities."
Senator Lindsay Graham, who attended the opening of the Sunrun branch office and warehouse, added: "We all know that our dependence on foreign oil, some from countries who hate our guts, jeopardizes the economic and national security of our nation.
"The announcement made today will help create more choice for homeowners looking to reduce their power bills. Its yet another step in the right direction towards Americas long-term energy independence."
Last month, Cyprus Creek Renewables signed a 150 MW supply deal with Japans Solar Frontier for the delivery of its CIS solar PV modules, of which a portion will be installed at various solar projects in South Carolina.
Sunrun, meanwhile, continues to spread its zero-down business model across the U.S., recently partnering with Constellation to serve the residential markets of Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey and New York.
Despite departing from the Nevada solar market following regressive changes to net metering in January, SunRuns Q4 2015 results were strong, revealing an 83% year-over-year growth in deployment when compared to the same quarter in 2014.
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