SSI's solar sustainability assurance program covers the ESG performance of production sites as well as supply chain traceability
This standard is aligned with major international sustainability standards and designed on a multi-stakeholder approach
Following the ESG audit, SSI rates the production site in either Gold, Silver, or Bronze, based on the non-conformance (NC) score card
There is a growing trend of regional legal frameworks being established to address human rights abuses and environmental exploitation. This has led to increased demand for dedicated regional sustainability assurance programs that encompass ESG factors and supply chain traceability, ensuring transparency and preventing forced labor. In this context, the European Union (EU) is developing a robust legal framework to tackle human rights abuses, including the Forced Labour Regulation (FLR), CS3D, and CSRD. According to CS3D, non-EU companies generating over €450 million in net turnover within the EU must address adverse impacts on human rights and the environment across their value chains. Meanwhile, the CSRD focuses on due diligence related to policies, processes, and measures, including information on supplier compliance with human rights and labor standards.
At the TaiyangNews Solar & Sustainability Conference 2024, Alexia Ruvoletto, Head of Secretariat at the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI), provided a brief overview of the initiative and its implementation status (see SSI presentation here).
The SSI program is a benchmark sustainability assurance initiative that evaluates the sustainability of solar products and ensures fully transparent product sourcing along the solar module supply chain.
Ruvoletto explained that the SSI program not only encompasses the ESG performance of production sites but also focuses on the traceability of materials, specifically silicon. This program is built on a multi-stakeholder approach, including contributions from industry, civil society, and key stakeholders such as finance and international organizations. SSI, consisting of 44 members, spans the entire solar value chain, involving major EU and global players in PV manufacturing, as well as project developers and utilities.
The program aims to achieve 5 key objectives: ensuring that the energy transition is just, inclusive, and respects human rights; establishing mechanisms for supply chain transparency regarding materials and component origins to ensure integrity in the global solar industry; and fostering continuous improvement in ESG performance. Additionally, it focuses on building confidence among regulators, customers, and business partners in the sustainability of the solar value chain, while preparing the European community for upcoming laws and regulations, such as CS3D and FLR, on responsible supply chains, noted Ruvoletto.
Following a pilot project and public consultations, SSI published its ESG standard, aligned with international standards such as the UNGP and the OECD guidelines, in December 2023. Ruvoletto further noted that SSI members are now preparing their production facilities for the official assessment, which will begin in late 2024 and continue into Q1 2025. The assessment for manufacturer members will cover 3 areas: Governance (business integrity, policy and management, stakeholders and communities, transparency, and responsible sourcing); Environment (management of GHG emissions, water, waste, pollution, and biodiversity); and Human and Labor Rights.
After the assessment, production sites will receive a rating of gold, silver, or bronze, based on the level of non-conformances (NCs). These NCs are categorized as either minor or major. Major NCs are defined as systemic failures, lack of required controls, total absence of implementation of requirements, or breaches of law. Minor NCs can include isolated lapses in performance or control, breaches that represent lower risks to workers, or policy issues. According to Ruvoletto, major NCs will prevent certification, while minor NCs will be followed up by auditors with a concrete improvement plan and support from the SSI Secretariat.
She also mentioned that the first draft of the SSI standard on supply chain traceability is scheduled to be published in December 2024.
The features that distinguish the SSI standard from other internationally recognized standards include its tailoring to the solar industry, a multi-stakeholder design, strong buy-in from the solar industry, 3rd-party verification, coverage of all E+S+G aspects, and traceability and product certifications.
On April 10 and 11, 2025, TaiyangNews will hold the TaiyangNews Solar Technology Conference India 2025, an in-person event in New Delhi. It will bring together technologists and scientists working on creating a resilient solar manufacturing industry in India. Registrations are open here.