The UK solar industry does not condone forced labour anywhere in the global solar supply chain and the UK solar sector has made an explicit commitment to further strengthen its responsible sourcing practices. We are therefore disappointed with the portrayal of the industry’s action on this, and that of the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI), in a parliamentary report today.
We agree that Great British Energy and other public buyers should use independent assessments to ensure that the solar panels they procure should be free from forced labour. This service is provided by the SSI.
Indeed, the SSI is the only body which facilitates independent audits specific to the technical needs of the solar photovoltaic sector.
There is no evidence of forced labour in the supply chain for Great British Energy, which is committed to sourcing from SSI-certified sites.
“This is about leadership. We’re building a UK clean energy system that is ethical, transparent and globally respected,” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK.
