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 increased 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 flexible access to renewable energy, allowing companies to support new projects and receive renewable energy certificates and bill credits for clean electricity produced.
The Ebbie Solar facility, built with American-made panels and domestic steel, will generate over 23,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually through 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 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 across Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress territories. This enables 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.
With business demand for renewables growing steadily, Duke Energy plans further enhancements to help customers achieve their environmental objectives. The Ebbie Solar project completed commissioning on Feb. 3 and is now delivering power to the grid; Schaeffler will begin full participation in the GSA program this month.