Solar Industry Call to Action: Forced Labor Has No Place In the Solar Supply Chain

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today on International Human Rights Day, the solar industry is launching a proactive campaign to ensure the solar supply chain does not include abhorrent forced labor practices. The effort, led by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), features a pledge that companies can sign to oppose forced labor and raise awareness on this important issue.

“Unethical labor practices run against everything we stand for as an industry and are counter to our values,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “It’s on us to be vigilant and take steps to ensure the solar industry is free of forced labor practices. Dozens of companies have already stepped up to sign our pledge and we’re calling on the entire industry to join us.”

In addition to the pledge, SEIA is developing a supply chain traceability protocol for the materials used to produce solar modules. This tool will enable companies to track the source of key inputs, thereby helping to improve transparency and ensure the solar supply chain remains free of forced labor.

The effort comes as credible reports of human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region of China continue to surface. While current evidence does not directly tie the solar industry to use of forced labor, SEIA is taking a proactive stance and is strongly encouraging member companies to move their supply chains out of Xinjiang.

Over the next few months, SEIA will also be working with its members on a comprehensive update to the Solar Commitment, which defines common practices and expectations for the solar industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, subcontractors, and customers in the solar value chain.

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About SEIA®: 

The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 20% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is a national trade association building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact: 

Jen Bristol, SEIA’s Director of Communications, jbristol@seia.org (202) 556-2886