SC H5308

Requires a certificate of environmental compatibility and public convenience from the Public Service Commission before constructing any photovoltaic (solar) energy facility of 20 acres or greater on farmland in South Carolina

Defines "farmland" as land taxed as agricultural that has been used to grow non-timber crops that could have been sold for profit within the previous five calendar years

Mandates public hearings in the county where the proposed facility would be located, with the Commission required to issue a decision within 180 days of application filing

Requires the Commission to determine that the loss of farmland is outweighed by quantifiable net benefits to the State before granting a certificate

Exempts projects where construction began within one year after January 1, 2023, or where applications were submitted to governmental agencies before that date