Duke Energy announced on Mar. 18 that the Ebbie Solar project in Marion, South Carolina, has entered service as the first facility in the state to operate under its updated Green Source Advantage (GSA) program. The company also reported that its Renewable Choice program surpassed enrollment targets in 2025, reflecting growing demand from large commercial and industrial customers for clean energy options.
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 provide large business customers with flexible access to renewable energy through programs like GSA and Renewable Choice.
The Ebbie Solar facility, built with American-made panels and domestic steel, will generate over 23,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually under a long-term agreement with Schaeffler Group. 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 input has influenced how the company designs its clean energy offerings. “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 now has 57 megawatts subscribed—42 MW in Duke Energy Carolinas territory and 15 MW in Duke Energy Progress territory—enabling eligible nonresidential customers to match up to 100% of their electricity use with renewable sources while providing benefits through Clean Energy Environmental Attribute revenue.
Duke Energy stated that demand from businesses seeking greater access to renewables continues to grow. The company is responding by offering new programs designed to help customers achieve their renewable energy objectives.
The Ebbie Solar project completed commissioning on Feb. 3 and is now delivering power to the Duke Energy Progress South Carolina grid. Schaeffler will begin full participation in the GSA program this month.
