Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQ page for answers to community concerns about Silfab Solar's Fort Mill facility, including chemical usage, zoning information, proximity to schools, and environmental impact.
Silfab Solar Inc. is a Canadian-headquartered solar panel manufacturing company founded in 2007. They currently assemble solar panels at a factory in Burlington, Washington, and Toronto, Canada. In Fort Mill, SC, they are planning to manufacture TOPCON solar cells, using licensed Chinese technology, which the company has never previously manufactured.
Silfab is currently constructing an experimental solar cell and solar panel factory at 7149 Logistics Lane in Fort Mill, SC in violation of the York County zoning code. The site, a leased warehouse/distribution building zoned for light industrial use, is next door to two schools and within 3 miles of 53,000 residents. Silfab’s factory would be heavy industrial, engaging in pollution-emitting manufacturing and hazardous chemical and storage processes, which are not allowed in a light industrial zoned area. On May 9, 2024, the York County Board of Zoning Appeals in a 5-0 decision ruled that solar manufacturing is not a permitted use in a light industrial district, a decision that is currently standing law. Silfab Solar appealed this decision to the York County Circuit Court on June 28, 2024. Eighteen months of delay later, the case is still pending. Yet, in defiance of the BZA ruling and the zoning code, York County continues to issue permits, inspections and approvals.
Move Silfab is the award-winning grassroots movement of a diverse group of people who support the effort to move Silfab to an appropriately zoned location. Move Silfab is not against the solar industry or manufacturing. It is composed of two groups, Citizens Alliance for Government Integrity (CAGI) and the Coalition to Protect Fort Mill (CPFM), with the broad support of 8,000+ concerned citizens, leaders, and industry experts.
Move Silfab is supported 100% by volunteers and community donations. Our best efforts include the Move Silfab website, petition to move Silfab, presentations to county and school officials, environmental health and impact studies, legal action, community information sessions and calls to action, and media outreach. We also meet regularly, email newsletter updates, encourage business sponsorship, coordinate events/fundraisers, and advocate for donations through the Zeffy fundraising platform. We are on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
The BZA heard an appeal related to an inquiry made by adjacent neighbor Wally Buchannan as to Silfab’s proposed use on the property. Wally had effectively asked if Solar Panel Manufacturing is an allowed use in Light Industrial? The YC zoning department (county employees) answered this was an allowable use in Light Industrial by justifying Solar Manufacturing can fit in either the Electrical Equipment, Appliance and Component Manufacturing (supplied to Silfab) or the Computer and Electronic Products Manufacturing use (supplied to Wally). “The YC Zoning code in Sub Chapter C: Use Regulations, 155.270 (G) states Unlisted Uses Prohibited. Any use not listed for an applicable zoning district in the Use Table is prohibited.” The BZA concluded: “The Zoning Administrator erred in determining that Solar Panel Manufacturing is a Use under Computer and Electronic Products Manufacturing permitted in Light Industrial; and, that Solar Panel Manufacturing is not listed as a Use applicable for the Light Industrial Zoning District and is therefore prohibited pursuant to 155.270 (G), York County Code of Ordinances.
Other than the zoning law being broken, the BZA being ignored, and citizens’ due process being violated, the major controversy stems from environmental and safety concerns. Silfab will store and use in excess of 500,000 pounds of hazardous and toxic chemicals. These include:
44,000 pounds Anhydrous Ammonia (NH₃) - flammable gas, corrosive, toxic
1,540 lbs. Boron Trichloride (BCl3) - gas, toxic, corrosive
126,231 pounds Calcium Hydroxide (Ca2) - strong base can cause burns
10,560 gallons Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) - liquid, toxic, corrosive
17,435 gallons Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) - liquid, toxic, corrosive, contact poison
7,925 gallons Hydrogen Peroxide 50% (H2O2) - liquid, Class 2 oxidizer, corrosive
385 gallons Isopropyl Alcohol 70% - Liquid, Class 1B flammable
24,000 ccf (centum cubic feet) Nitrogen (LN2) - extremely cold cryogenic liquid can cause frostbite and eye damage, displaces oxygen to cause asphyxiation
63,360 lbs. Nitrous Oxide (N2O) - oxidizing gas
12,000 ccf liquid Oxygen (O₂) - liquid, oxidizing gas
1,945 lbs. Phosphorus Oxychloride (POCl3) - liquid, toxic, corrosive, Class 2 water reactive
10,567 gallons Potassium Hydroxide 45% (KOH) - liquid, corrosive
7,925 gallons Potassium Peroxide - liquid, hazardous, explosive, oxidizing
26,456 gallons Silane (SiH₄) - flammable gas, toxic, pyrophoric (ignites on contact with air)
951 lbs. Trimethylaluminum (TMA) – Class 1B flammable, liquid, pyrophoric (ignites on contact with air), corrosive, Class 2 water reactive , High Hazard group H-3 storage building
17,596 pounds per day of hazardous Fluoride sludge (needing to be dumped in our local landfills)
These chemicals are hazardous on their own. In these quantities and in close proximity to one another, even a minor leak could trigger explosions, massive fires, and toxic gas releases.
Silfab's factory, just 600 feet from the Flint Hill Elementary school athletic field and approximately 2,000 feet from Flint Hill Elementary and Middle schools, puts children, teachers and residents at risk. There are 12 schools and daycare centers within a 1 mile radius from Silfab.
A study by USC determined that in the event of an accident at Silfab, the chemical hazardous radius zone could extend as far as 3.4 miles away.
In addition, it is not unreasonable to speculate that home buyers may avoid purchasing a home assigned to Flint Hill Schools, negatively impacting property values.
Experts at Southeastern Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (SE PEHSU), a highly respected organization housed at Emory University’s #1 ranked School of Nursing and backed by the EPA, CDC, and Public Health Institute, publicly supported the community’s concerns and urged immediate action by Fort Mill decision-makers. They identified serious public health and safety risks.
Emory University’s health experts warn that Silfab could pose chemical risks to children, pregnant women, and first responders. They call for an independent safety evaluation.
Read the letter here.
The convenient proximity to Interstate 77 and utilities such as a large underground gas pipeline, adjacent water tower, and significant power were attractive elements. Rockefeller Group Development Corp. initially built the building for warehouse/distribution in a light industrial zone. March 15, 2023 Silfab signed a long-term lease with RG Baxter Lane for the vacant shell building. Rockefeller Group Development Corp. then sold the building to Exeter 7149 Logistics LLC (Silfab’s current landlord) for $106 million on October 3, 2023.
In emailed documents (see Timeline for documents and explanations) obtained via FOI (Freedom of Information Act), Silfab execs stated they were looking to site their factory in a location that had “loose regulations and speed to market.” They considered sites in Gaston County, NC, and York County, SC, ultimately selecting the SC site.
The York County Economic Development Department in 2019 coordinated to bring Silfab to York County. York County Planning and Development issued a Zoning Verification Letter for 7149 Logistics Lane on December 12, 2022 in response to a request from a paralegal in Atlanta. No specific company name or Silfab is on the letter. The letter states it is not a permit. York County claims this was approval for Silfab to operate at that location. CAGI disagrees. In March 2023 York County Manager Hudspeth signed a $2M SC Commerce Economic Development Incentive Grant to help Silfab construct their factory. September 18, 2023 York County Council voted 4-3 to approve a Fee in Lieu of Taxes agreement which gave Silfab a tax break from 10% to 4% per year. The four Council members who voted for it: Christi Cox, Tommy Adkins, William “Bump” Roddey, and A. Watts Huckabee. The three Council members who voted against: Tom Audette, Debi Cloninger, and Allison Love. It is notable that those who voted for it live further from Silfab and those who voted against it live closer to Silfab. US Congressman Ralph Norman in 2018 co-founded and now chairs the Congressional Solar Caucus. He publicly stated that he asked all seven Council members to pass Silfab’s FILOT tax incentive agreement.
(View Ralph Norman’s Community Fact Forum here: Silfab Forum Recap | U.S. Representative Ralph Norman).
We assembled a timeline to help make sense of this. York County Planning and Development do NOT appear to be following current laws and rules.
Case: 2025-000288 2/14/2025
Walter Buchanon, Appellant, v. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and Silfab Solar, Respondents.
This is an appeal of the Construction Air Permit DHEC approved then changed, because Silfab had to lower their 2 exhaust stacks from 70 feet to 50 feet. This case is pending in the SC Court of Appeals.
Case: 2024CP4602641 6/28/2024
Silfab Solar, Inc. and Exeter 7149 Logistics, L.P., Appellants, vs. York County Board of Zoning Appeals, Respondents
This is Silfab’s appeal of the BZA decision, which has been masterfully delayed by Silfab attorneys for 18 months and is now pending in Circuit Court.
Case: 2024CP4603532 9/5/2024
CAGI vs. Silfab, Exeter, and York County
Citizens Alliance for Government Integrity, Inc., a South Carolina Non Profit, vs. Silfab Solar Inc., Exeter 7149 and York County by and through its Zoning Board and Administrator, a body politic and political subdivision of York County and the State of South Carolina, Defendants
This is the citizens' attempt to hold all defendants accountable for breaking zoning laws and ignoring the BZA decision. This case is currently stayed until Silfab’s appeal of the BZA is final.
Case: 2025CP4604007 10/13/2025
Bivins vs. York County
Dennis Floyd Bivins, Plaintiff, vs York County by and through Joshua Edwards, York County Manager; Josh Reinhardt, York County Development Services Manager; and Jonathan Buono, York County Planning and Development Services Director, Defendants.
This is an adjacent property owner's lawsuit claiming that York County did not follow the law by allowing Silfab to proceed without zoning compliance approval and by ignoring the BZA decision, which is standing law until and if it is reversed by a successful appeal, which has not happened. York County has motioned the court to dismiss this case. A hearing was held December 16, 2025 and we are awaiting the judge's ruling on the motion to dismiss.
Case: 2025-002174 10/28/2025
CAGI versus York County
Citizens Alliance for Government Integrity, Petitioner, v. York County by and through its manager Joshua Edwards; Joseph Reinhadt, manager of York County Development Services Department; and Jonathan Buono, Director of York County Planning and Development, Respondents
This is the Citizens’ lawsuit requesting The Supreme Court force York County to revoke all permits and cease issuing any additional permits until and if zoning compliance is approved. The Supreme Court did not exercise its original jurisdiction, which means a case will have to be heard in Circuit Court before they will consider it in the Supreme Court.
Case: 2025CP4602931 7/29/2025
Jasn Rhodes, Plaintiff, vs Silfab Solar, Inc.; and Silfab Solar SC Inc., Defendants
Whistleblower former employee Jason Rhoades filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Silfab. On December 18, 2025, the court denied Silfab's motion to dismiss and ruled that the lawsuit for wrongful termination and retaliatory discharge can continue.
The latest court update can be read here: https://www.movesilfab.com/post/legal-action-update.
More updates will be added as they become available. Check back soon.
There are a number of solar panel manufacturers, but solar cell manufacturing has historically been extremely rare in the USA. There are currently no TOPCON solar cell manufacturers in the USA. In the past few years, more solar cell manufacturers have started opening, prompting questions about whether the USA has established suitable safety regulations for this type of manufacturing and the chemicals used.
(Solar Manufacturing Map | Department of Energy)
There was another solar cell factory located near Atlanta, but in the first 5 years of being open, it had a chemical fire. Emergency responders did not put it out and had to let it burn through all the chemicals, dispersing them into the air. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution Article)
To check to see which school your address has been districted for, click here: https://www.croppermap.com/fort_mill/. Select the desired school year. The opening of Flint Hill Elementary School for the 2025-26 school year resulted in addresses being redistricted. Flint Hill Middle School is scheduled to open for the 2026-27 school year.
November 5th, 2024 the Fort Mill School Board voted 6-1 to redistrict, despite significant protest from concerned parents who did not want to send any children to the Flint Hill Elementary or Middle Schools until Silfab was moved. The one person to vote against this redistricting could not vote to send his three children to Flint Hill Elementary School.
The taller the stack height, the more unsightly, but the pollution gets spread farther and diluted more. “The solution to pollution is dilution.” The shorter stack height may be less noticeable, but the pollution can’t spread as far and is more concentrated locally around the plant. Due to county ordinances, the acid scrubber stack height changed from 70 feet to 50 feet, the height of the building. SCDES claims this is a minor change and a new public hearing is not required. The CAGI appeal argues that lowering a stack should be a major change requiring a new public hearing.
Yes. Two tube trailers will store 13,200-26,400 lbs of Silane gas at any given time. Silane, a highly compressed liquid gas that is extremely flammable and pyrophoric (pyrophoric = explodes on contact with air) requires separation or fire barriers from other materials and structures. They will be parked within an above ground “bunker” (3 non-connected concrete panel sides and a canopy roof). Adjacent to the Silane are bulk storage areas with canopies for Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) (a flammable, toxic, corrosive, highly pressurized liquid gas that can cause serious respiratory injury and skin burns), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) (an oxidizing gas which reacts with many materials and the reaction may be explosive), then Liquid Oxygen (LO2) (also an oxidizing gas) and Liquid Nitrogen (LN2), both cryogenic fluids that exist at extremely low temperature and can support combustion and pose an asphyxiation hazard or burns from their extreme low temperature.
The Wastewater Treatment/Chemical Storage Building has major quantities of oxidizing, corrosive and toxic liquids including Hydrofluoric Acid (HF), Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), Phosphorus Oxychloride (POCL3), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), and Potassium Hydroxide (KOH). The amounts greatly exceed the maximum allowed storage quantities per the Fire Code. For example, there are 47,603 gallons of corrosive liquids such as Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), Hydrofluoric Acid (HF), Phosphorus Oxychloride (POCL3 ) and Hydrogen Peroxide 50% (H2O2).The maximum allowed storage amount is 1,950 gallons, 25x less than the amount stored. Because of this the building requires High Hazard H-3 designation.
These and many more chemicals could explode in a fire (see FAQ above titled "What is the Controversy Other Than Zoning?” or “ The Chemicals” page on the website.)
1.25 million gallons of water will be used daily in the manufacturing process. This is more water than the entire City of Tega Cay uses in a day. Harmful pollutant chemicals from the manufacturing lines combine with the water. These toxins must be removed from this industrial wastewater before it is discharged into the sanitary sewer, flows to the Rock Hill Manchester Creek Public Wastewater Treatment Plant to be cleaned, then discharged into the Catawba River.
Silfab was required to build a Wastewater Treatment System on site to pretreat this industrial wastewater to reduce the pollutant concentration to a level acceptable to the Rock Hill system. Sludge cakes and bags from the WWTS pose a risk to health, safety and the environment so must be hauled away by a certified hazardous materials trucker and dumped in a hazardous materials landfill.
1.25 million gallons of water to be used daily. This is more water than the entire town of Tega Cay’s daily usage. Silfab has been required to build a waste-water treatment plant on-site, and the treated “gray water” will return to Rock Hill’s sewer system to be treated and cleaned before cycling back into the Catawba river. The sludge generated by the on site waste-water treatment plant would be hauled away by certified hazardous material truckers, and dumped in a regulated landfill.
No, Silfab’s factory is still under construction. They need additional permits, inspections, approvals and a Certificate of Occupancy to begin operation. We are pursuing several avenues to demand the zoning ordinance and law be upheld and Silfab moved to a proper location.
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The safety concerns are well justified. Studies have shown that people who live near heavy industry have higher rates of acute and chronic illnesses, including many cancers. USC estimated a 3.4 mile hazardous radius zone in the event of an accident, and SE PEHSU has issued warnings about safety concerns. While it is true that many manufacturing facilities operate using hazardous materials, those businesses are classified accurately under their county zoning ordinances and located in appropriately zoned districts. The intent of the Light Industrial District is to create and protect industrial areas for light manufacturing and distribution. The district’s less intensive uses protect nearby residential areas from the encroachment of heavy industrial uses. Human error, equipment malfunctions, accidents DO occur, leading to environmental disasters and loss of life. An incident at Silfab’s facility located so close to schools and homes would be a catastrophe for our community.
According to the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters, "Hazardous chemical incidents, including fires, explosions and toxic releases, occur every other day on average in the United States.”
Johns Hopkins University researchers found a new way to measure cumulative health effects from multiple chemicals. They “demonstrate how EPA has repeatedly underestimated the true health risks for people living in the shadow of industrial polluters.”
Silfab's original Construction Air Permit Application shows that none of the VOCs go through the acid scrubbers. See below for update.
There are three panel lines and two solar cell manufacturing lines. There are two acid scrubbers, a venturi scrubber, and a thermal oxidizer which exhaust into TWO 50 foot stacks. This is where the toxic air pollutants (TAPs) come from, about 10 tons per year.
Now the stacks have been lowered to 50 feet, because of a county ordinance. The updated Air Permit Application was not shared with the public, so we had to FOIA the documents. It appears they are diluting the emissions in the stacks. The TAPs are still about 10 tons per year. The VOCs are about 75 tons per year.
The TAPs can be about 1,000 times more harmful than the VOCs based on the way they are measured. Each scrubber would have its own stack, which would also release the VOCs.
Title V of the Clean Air Act requires permits for factories that are a “Major Source” of air pollution. Also known as Title V polluters, they are the heaviest polluting factories, with emissions of 100 tons of VOCs per year, or 10 tons of hazardous pollutants per year, triggering Federal regulations and monitoring. Initially, some of Silfab’s numbers appeared to be above this threshold, but changes were made to bring them under it, thus they were no longer subject to those regulations and monitoring.
New Indy Containerboard, formerly Bowater, located in Catawba, has a Title V Permit. They are located in a rural setting 12 miles radius from Fort Mill. They settled a class action lawsuit in 2024 from citizens they polluted.
Citadel EHS is a private environmental, health, safety, and sustainability consulting firm hired by the Fort Mill School District to monitor air quality on the Flint Hill School campuses. They have a one-year $356,400 contract with the School District. The contract does not address all hazards posed by Silfab, nor does it guarantee safety for those on the Flint Hill campuses. Monitoring is not preventative nor proactive. Coexistence with a hazard is not safety.