A new solar panel program through Santee Cooper would allow residents to reduce their electricity bill or get paid for the electricity they produce if they use a solar panel.

The new solar panel program, called net billing, works like this: Santee Cooper buys electricity from they, and they buy electricity from the company. At the end of the billing cycle, they'll likely have a reduced electricity bill or Santee Cooper could owe they money. they can produce the power through any renewable energy source, wind power and solar being the most common.

It's a concept that's being employed in 42 other states, and "green" builders and environmentally conscious residents have been pushing South Carolina to start. Santee Cooper will be the first in the state with the program when it starts Oct. 1.

While Santee Cooper works to spread the word about the new new solar panel program and educate residents on the benefits of renewable power, others question if net billing was the best route for the company to take.