Duke Energy has officially commissioned the 10 MW Ebbie Solar project, marking the first facility to operate under the state’s updated Green Source Advantage (GSA) programme.
The project entered operational service on 3 February 2026, supplying clean electricity to the Duke Energy Progress grid and supporting the sustainability targets of the Schaeffler Group.
Under a long-term GSA agreement, the Ebbie Solar facility is expected to generate over 23,000 MWh of clean energy annually. This output will offset approximately 25% of the combined energy consumption across Schaeffler’s three Cheraw plants.
Constructed using American-made panels and domestic steel, the site was developed by Headwater Energy, with advisory support from Enel X.
“By generating clean electricity… we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to clean energy,” said Joe Bailey, Region Facilities Manager for Schaeffler.
The launch comes as Duke Energy’s broader Renewable Choice programme exceeded its 2025 enrolment targets. The voluntary scheme has already subscribed 57 MW of new renewable capacity, driven by high demand from large commercial and industrial customers seeking flexible access to carbon-free energy.
Heather Shirley Smith, Duke Energy’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for South Carolina, noted that customer feedback has been central to the design of these flexible offerings, which balance individual corporate goals with wider grid benefits.
