Former Silfab employee sues company, claiming he was fired for whistleblowing

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, a former employee of Silfab says he was unjustly terminated after he told the fire marshal about occupancy issues which led to construction being shut down. 

Silfab, a major solar panel manufacturer that had a plant planned for York County, South Carolina, that garnered outcries from residents for years, has been the center of controversy ever since it was approved in 2023, citing potential health and safety concerns. In 2024, York County leaders even claimed they received death threats over the approval of the manufacturing plant.

This latest installment in pushback on the company revolves around a former quality control technician who filed a lawsuit against the company after losing his job, alleging retaliation and wrongful termination. Jason Rhodes said he was terminated on July 7 after he said he reported safety violations including occupancy permit issues and unsafe machinery being assembled by Silfab workers instead of licensed contractors. He claims he was fired as a result of reporting these things. 

He is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, trebled damages under South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act and attorneys’ fees and court costs. 

Last month, Silfab had to shut down its construction at the solar facility after investigators toured the facility and found employees who aren’t permitted for the ongoing project. That stop work order was lifted a couple of days later. 

Silfab told WCNC Charlotte it denies Rhodes’ claims, saying: 

“Silfab is currently reviewing the allegations and denies that the former employee’s termination was based on any reports he may have made and we plan to vigorously defend the suit.

 With respect to the stop-work order, “Silfab Solar continues to move forward to become one of the most advanced and safest solar assembly facilities in the country. It should be noted that Silfab worked cooperatively with local officials to promptly address and satisfy concerns raised. Silfab remains committed to operating a technically advanced solar facility that meets or exceeds all local, state, and federal regulations.”

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.