Silfab Solar Disputes Claims of ‘Misinformation’ Regarding Module Factory Leak

In a vigorous defense of his company’s safety protocols, Silfab Solar’s director of operations Greg Basden addressed recent chemical incidents at the manufacturer’s South Carolina facility, disputing what he termed “significant amounts of misinformation” about the events.

“We are extremely committed to operating safe facilities,” Basden told reporters during a press conference in South Carolina. “It is our responsibility to set the record straight.”

Basden explained that the first incident involved what he described as an “accidental release of approximately 300 gallons of water containing small amounts of potassium hydroxide.” He noted that initial reports to authorities had estimated over 1,500 gallons spilled, but this figure was based on “worst case” assessment protocols before being revised downward.

“At no time during this event were any employees or the public put at risk,” Basden emphasized.

Regarding a second incident involving hydrofluoric acid, a potentially dangerous chemical used in solar panel manufacturing, Basden characterized it as “a very small drip occurring at the base of the tank” that was detected late last week. He stated the company immediately consulted with the tank vendor and reduced the leak to “roughly one drop an hour.”

The company “strongly disputes the classification of this brief drip as a ‘leak’ or a ‘major incident,'” according to Basden, who expressed regret that local school officials had opted to cancel classes for two days as a precautionary measure.

Based on discussions with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Protection (SCDEP) and other regulatory bodies, Basden announced plans to resume operations the same evening at 6:30 PM.

However, local officials have expressed skepticism about the company’s account. State Representative David Martin, who alongside Senator Michael Johnson had pushed for an investigation into Silfab, voiced concerns about transparency. “I don’t really trust what I’m being told from Silfab,” Martin said prior to Basden’s statement, explaining that the investigation by SCDES was necessary “to find out exactly what the truth is.”

In an earlier official statement, Silfab Solar confirmed receiving correspondence from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services and stated that its technical team was “addressing the issue in coordination with DES and local officials.” The company also revealed it had “voluntarily pause[d] operations” on Thursday afternoon and for the Friday day shift.

The statement reiterated that “there is no health risk to employees, the community or the environment, and there is no threat to public safety,” echoing assessments from the York County Office of Emergency Management.

The incidents mark another chapter in the contentious history of Silfab’s Fort Mill manufacturing facility, which has faced considerable community opposition since its proposal. Local residents have repeatedly raised concerns about potential environmental and safety impacts, particularly given the plant’s proximity to a school, which remained closed for two days following these recent incidents.

Silfab Solar has been expanding its manufacturing presence in the United States amid growing demand for domestically produced solar panels, driven by federal incentives including tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. The company has positioned itself as a key player in America’s renewable energy manufacturing revival.

Industry analysts note that chemical safety at solar manufacturing facilities has become an increasingly important issue as production capacity expands across the country, with companies facing greater scrutiny from both regulators and communities concerned about potential environmental impacts.