As demand for solar increases globally, there is a need to also focus on ensuring the industry grows sustainably which can be ensured with the right regulations and certifications from 3rd parties, said solar testing, inspection, audit and certification agency TÜV SÜD's VP Strategy and PV, Hailiang Xu during TaiyangNews Solar & Sustainability Virtual Conference 2023.
Solar power is inherently a cleaner power generation source than most others, but production of PV modules is generally not free from emissions. While there is no overnight solution to this situation, Xu believes companies need to analyze and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
He hailed the fact that several producers are already analyzing their CO2 footprint and taking steps to bring it down. Companies like LONGi and Envision disclose their ESG reports as part of their membership of RE100 and SBTi, and the like, he said.
While it is good to see manufacturers implementing environment friendly strategies in-house, they can also invest in having their own carbon management system while seeking 3rd party certifications for their sustainability practices.
This will not only bring down overall industry's emissions, but also help manufacturers meet the market demand for certified sustainable and low-carbon solar products.
Government regulations like the ones in Europe with its Ecolabel system, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and its Recycling (WEEE), Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) are also an important tools to ensure allegiance to sustainability. More countries need to have such directives.
The presentation of Hailiang Xu is available on our TaiyangNews YouTube Channel. Other presentations from the event are also available for free viewing here.