After York County officials alleged findings of unauthorized employee activity at the Silfab Solar plant, the county has served a Stop Work Order to halt all operations at the facility. According to QC News, the fire marshal and building inspector discovered employees who were not part of the site's ongoing construction during a Monday night visit, a breach given the absence of a certificate of occupancy.
The Fort Mill solar panel manufacturer, located on Gold Hill Road, has faced intensifying scrutiny after concerns were raised by local residents over its proximity to children at two under-construction schools. In response to these fears, tied to potential chemical use, the Fort Mill School District conducted a health and safety study based on recommendations from the Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units, as detailed by QC News. Silfab maintains its operations adhere to all safety standards, yet public unease persists, fueled by claims made by a watchdog group regarding the validity of the zoning letter permitting Silfab's operations.
Separate reports by WCNC Charlotte highlight how the production of solar panels, involving chemicals like silane gas, has ratcheted up anxiety within the community, inciting some families to sell their homes over health concerns. "We had three families this week say they put their house on the market or have already sold their house because they had to move their kids away from Silfab," York County Vice Chair Tom Audette told WCNC Charlotte in March.
Fulfilling earlier commitments, such as a zoning verification letter issued in 2022, as well as a tax incentive agreement in September 2023, Silfab Solar aimed to both invest and foster job growth in the area. Nonetheless, Monday's inspection led to a comprehensive stop work order as confirmed by York County's spokesman to Channel 9, indicating the permit-related construction, also, would be halted. Greg Suskin stated, "York County responded to a complaint about activity on the Silfab site," emphasizing the finding of workers who were not connected to the sanctioned construction as a violation. The Stop Work Order now conspicuously displayed on the premises, speaks to the current standstill at the Silfab Solar plant.
