COR is excited to announce that our organization is officially powered by the sun… or solar panels (close enough!). We’re proud that our physical home at 1717 Gervais Street is one of the first in Columbia to run solar powered energy. President and CEO of The South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce (and owner of the building) Frank Knapp “flipped the switch” today.
Thirty six solar panels were installed by a full service solar energy installation company. The system will produce about 12,626 kilowatt-hour of energy annually and save up to $2,525 per year for the 5,500 sq. ft. building. The electricity produced will be sold back to SCE&G at a higher rate to ensure return on investment. This provides businesses with an affordable and sustainable alternative energy option.
Aside from COR, 1717 Gervais Street houses several small businesses, including The Small Business Chamber, J Haleem Media 
Group, Soda City Model and Talent Agency and more. We are all setting an example for other commercial buildings in the surrounding areas and we’re extremely excited and honored to be a part of this movement. Solarize SC representative Sarah Rajca said very few businesses in
Columbia have gone solar. However, in recent months Solarize SC has seen an increase. The tax benefits of going solar along with the extra incentives instated with Act 236 has given the installation of solar energy in South Carolina momentum.
