Solar Industry Statement on Supply Chain Concerns in Xinjiang

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following is a statement from John Smirnow, vice president of market strategy for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA):

“We have not had a chance to fully review the report, but it does affirm what we have been saying about the need to move U.S. supply chains out of Xinjiang. The use of forced labor at any stage of the supply chain is wholly unacceptable and we take these findings very seriously. It is also increasingly clear that the risk to all companies in the solar supply chain associated with forced labor allegations are far too high. Whether it be through Customs enforcement, legislative action, or customer demands, solar deployment in the U.S. could be jeopardized without independent 3rd party audits, which cannot happen in Xinjiang. We strongly urge companies to use our Traceability protocol so that they know the origin of the materials they are using and can take the necessary steps to move supply chains out of areas where forced labor is used.”

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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 the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org and follow @SEIA on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

Media Contact: 

Morgan Lyons, SEIA’s Senior Communications Manager, mlyons@seia.org (202) 556-2872