A South Carolina circuit court judge has upheld a unanimous zoning board decision that held solar panel manufacturing was not a permitted use in the light-industrial district where Silfab Solar constructed its Fort Mill facility.
Background
The ruling represents a significant victory for neighboring property owner Walter Buchanan and other residents who have spent years arguing that York County improperly allowed Silfab’s chemically intensive manufacturing operation to be constructed near homes and two public schools.
The judge found that Silfab’s proposed manufacturing process was “qualitatively distinct” from the types of operations listed as computer and electronic product manufacturing — and more consistent with heavy industrial activity.
Chemical Risks
The record before the zoning board included portions of Silfab’s construction air permit application detailing its planned use of hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide and silane.
These findings take on additional significance following two chemical releases at the Silfab facility in March 2026, including a hydrogen fluoride leak that prompted the closure of a nearby elementary school.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
