Duke Energy announced on Mar. 18 that it has placed the 10-megawatt Ebbie Solar project into service in Marion, South Carolina, marking the first project in the state to operate under its updated Green Source Advantage (GSA) program. The company also reported that its Renewable Choice program exceeded initial enrollment targets in 2025, reflecting strong demand from large commercial and industrial customers for flexible access to clean energy.
The expansion of these programs is significant as more businesses seek ways to meet sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint. Duke Energy’s initiatives are designed to provide large business customers with new options for supporting renewable energy projects and receiving renewable energy certificates and bill credits for clean electricity produced.
The Ebbie Solar facility will supply customer-driven renewable energy for the Schaeffler Group, helping the company achieve its sustainability objectives. Joe Bailey, region facilities manager for Schaeffler, said, “Partnering with Duke Energy and Headwater Energy on the solar project in South Carolina marks a milestone in our sustainability journey. By generating clean electricity that offsets approximately 25% of the combined energy consumption across our three Cheraw plants, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to clean energy.”
Heather Shirley Smith, Duke Energy’s vice president of regulatory affairs and policy for South Carolina, said, “Customer feedback has shaped how we design our clean energy offerings, giving businesses multiple, flexible ways to meet their energy and sustainability goals. By building scalable options that balance customer choice with system-wide benefits, we’re helping bring new renewable generation onto the grid while delivering value for all customers.”
The Renewable Choice program has subscribed 57 megawatts of new renewable capacity—42 megawatts in Duke Energy Carolinas territory and 15 megawatts in Duke Energy Progress territory—enabling eligible nonresidential customers with at least one megawatt of annual peak demand to match up to 100% of their electricity use while providing benefits through Clean Energy Environmental Attribute revenue.
The Ebbie Solar project completed final commissioning and entered operational service on Feb. 3, 2026. Schaeffler will begin full participation in the GSA program this month.
