The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Thursday for Coastal Solar Power Co. at 229 W. Gen. Screven Way, Suite O, in Hinesville.

Coastal Solar was started by Clay Sikes, a Liberty County native, and offers solar PV for residential and commercial sites, grid-tied and off-grid systems, battery banks, indoor generators and solar water heating for portable use or pool heating.

Chamber Office Manager Erin Johnson welcomed Sikes and the entire Coastal Solar team to the Chamber. Chamber board member Levi Moody of Pedrick & Company also assured the support of the Chamber and Chamber board members, as well as congratulated them on their new endeavor.

In 2013, Sikes acquired a Savannah-based solar company and relocated it to Liberty County.
“The Hinesville location is near and dear to where we, are and it’s conveniently located next to a military base,” said Michael Croft, director of operations. “Solar in itself has so many avenues that you can approach, whether it be an investment standpoint or green renewables, but more importantly, it’s about independence from the power company.”

Coastal Solar’s biggest target demographic is military families who are on a fixed income. They believe that using solar energy will help these families lower or even eliminate their power bills.

“If you’re a resident who is paying $600 a month in utility bills, it’s hugely advantageous to capture the sunlight to reduce some of the overhead monthly costs,” said Croft. “Solar pays for itself in six to eight years and has a 25-year warranty.”

Coastal Solar offers free assessments and a referral fees if the referral turns into a paying customer.

To learn more about Coastal Solar and how solar energy works, go to http://www.coastalsolar.com.