The new Standard provides a framework for tracing silicon (or other semiconducting materials) throughout the solar supply chain. Independent auditors will use the Standard to assess the traceability of key materials used in solar production sites. Successful assessments will lead to a certification award.

The SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard covers the entire solar value chain, from quartzite mining to solar module production, with the objective to enable an unbroken Chain of Custody that tracks the journey of materials at every stage and guarantees that certified materials remain distinct from non-certified ones, reinforcing the integrity of solar products.

Pilot assessments conducted in 14 sites

The standard was developed following a public multi-stakeholder consultation involving over 20 organisations, including civil society and industry experts, provided valuable feedback. This inclusive approach ensures the standard is both rigorous and practical, addressing real-world challenges in supply chain traceability.

Also see: SolarPower Europe – landmark Solar Sustainability report released

Additionally, the Standard was tested through extensive pilot assessments conducted in 14 sites across various supply chain segments, including from modules to polysilicon. These pilot assessments were led by qualified auditors of the SSI Secretariat and evaluated the feasibility of the standard within industrial-scale environments, offering critical insights to refine its requirements.

The public consultation and pilot assessments enabled key updates to the final Standard, including enhanced clarification on technical due diligence requirements for traders and approved suppliers. The final Standard also makes clear that site certification remains impossible in regions inaccessible to unsupervised assessment. Additionally, the final standard offers clearer guidance to ensure that management systems are adequately resourced to effectively implement traceability requirements.

The SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard complements the SSI ESG Standard by adding a layer of assurance for material sourcing. Together, these standards provide a robust framework for certifying both the environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices of solar production sites as well as the traceability of the materials they use across the value chain, enabling the creation of a fully ESG-certified Chain of Custody.

Also see: Solar Materials wins European Solar Sustainability Award

Alexia Ruvoletto, Head of the SSI Secretariat, commented: “The SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard sets a new bar for end-to-end supply chain accountability in the solar sector. By establishing a clear, verifiable chain of custody for materials, it lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and ethical solar industry. With this new standard, the SSI empowers solar companies to take their transparency efforts to the next level, ensuring that the materials powering the clean energy transition meet the highest standards of integrity. This is about building confidence across the board, from regulators and policymakers to end consumers, while reinforcing solar’s role as a leader in sustainable energy.”

Next steps and implementation

The Standard is designed to support businesses in meeting regulatory requirements, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and supporting the effective implementation of the EU Forced Labour Ban Regulation. The SSI is monitoring the legislative process of these key laws to make sure the SSI standards are aligned with legal requirements. Certification against the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard will begin in 2025, with continuous improvement targets for supply chain penetration and market coverage to be set for the following years.

The Solar Stewardship Initiative has 48 members currently, among them 12 PV manufacturers, including two of Europe: Astronergy, Canadian Solar, DMEGC Solar, Futura Sun, JA Solar, Jinko Solar, Longi, Recom, Risen, Solarwatt, Trina Solar, Viridian Solar.

Also see: Solar supply chain ESG standard published

The SSI was set in motion by SolarPower Europe and Solar Energy UK in March 2021, as part of a workstream established in 2015 to promote sustainable production in the solar value chain. With the backing over 30 solar organisations at its inception, the SSI is the only holistic sustainable supply chain solution with the support of a majority market share of the solar PV industry. The SSI also enjoys the endorsement of the International Finance Corporation (IFC, a member of the World Bank Group) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). (hcn)





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This collaboration will play a part in enhancing Manchester City’s infrastructure and stadium operations, by allowing the Club to produce enough renewable energy to offset its annual power requirements. By undergoing a comprehensive upgraded aided by the technical support of Jinko, the project will see the Club become one of the largest producers of renewable energy in world football.

This partnership represents not only an innovation in the football world but also a key step towards a Net-Zero for the Club. The Tiger Neo 54-cell modules used at Manchester City’s training ground utilize innovative N-type TOPCon technology, adapting to Manchester’s variable environmental conditions. Located in a high-latitude region, Manchester experiences significant seasonal changes, especially shorter daylight hours in winter.

Also see: Strategic partnership to boost PV

Under low solar radiation conditions, the Tiger Neo maximizes power generation efficiency with its low-light performance. Additionally, the city’s cloudy, rainy, and windy climate presents higher requirements for the heat dissipation and stability of PV modules. The Tiger Neo’s sealing, and anti-PID features will ensure stable clean energy for Manchester City’s training ground, helping the club achieve its environmental goals.

Jinko Solar

Jinko Solar modules on one of the rooftops of Manchester City Football Academy.

Pete Bradshaw, Manchester City’s Director of Sustainability, commented: “Everyone at the Club is thrilled to be underway with installing more than 10,500 solar panels at the City Football Academy. While we continue to benefit from 100% renewable energy under a power purchase agreement, the transition to self-supplied renewable energy will transform the way we power our day-to-day operations by guaranteeing a consistent supply of clean energy.“

Ground-mounted solar panels will also be installed

Overall, the solar panel installation is being split into two phases. Phase One involves placing panels on the rooftops of various buildings within the City Football Academy and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024. Phase Two will include the addition of thousands of ground-mounted panels throughout the training facility, with completion targeted before the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

Also see: Eaton partners with Manchester City to promote energy storage

In the meantime, Jinko will continue to work with Manchester City to connect and engage with fans globally to jointly promote the use of solar energy and further educate them on how they can play a part towards a sustainable future. (hcn)





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Bartosz Majewski, CEO of Menlo Electric, commented: “Reaching 1 GW in just 9 months is a testament to the hard work and collaboration across all departments. This achievement reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of renewable energy worldwide.”

Menlo Electric has expanded its portfolio by partnering with Photonica, an international manufacturer of photovoltaic components specializing in providing versatile and sustainable solutions for various installation scenarios, from residential to industrial applications. This partnership has already seen successful sales across Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, Bulgaria, Romania, Germany, and South Africa.

More than 2,000 customers

The milestone was achieved by serving over 2,000 customers and delivering more than 10,000 orders. Menlo Electric secured 50+ contracts with leading manufacturers, including key partnerships with Jinko Solar, Astronergy, Sungrow, Deye, FoxESS, SolaX and others.

The company has also expanded its global reach, delivering 122 MW to the MENA region and 110 MW to Southern Africa, and recently entered new markets including the USA, Senegal, and Zambia.

Recent strategic partnerships further reinforce Menlo Electric’s leadership. In July 2024, the company and Jinko Solar committed to delivering an additional 1 GW of solar modules to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. A similar partnership with Sungrow aims to distribute 1 GW of power electronics globally by 2026. These collaborations demonstrate Menlo Electric’s pivotal role in meeting the growing global demand for renewable energy solutions.

Also focus on social responsibility

Meng Yang, Vice President of Sungrow Europe, remarked, “Joining forces with Menlo Electric allows us to deliver innovative solar technologies to key markets quickly, advancing the global energy transition.”

Also see: 1 GW distribution partnership of Menlo and JinkoSolar

Maria Aram Merdzhanova, Head of Sales EE, UK and Nordics, at Jinko Solar commended Menlo Electric for their strong distribution network, noting, “Menlo’s dedication to delivering top-tier products ensures our modules reach key markets swiftly and efficiently.”

Also see: Strategic partnership of Menlo Electric and Sungrow

In addition to its business successes, Menlo Electric remains dedicated to social responsibility through its participation in the Solar2Share Collective, a joint initiative that provides solar systems to schools, hospitals, and kindergartens across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. By the end of 2024, the initiative aims to transition 20 public institutions to renewable energy, further amplifying Menlo’s impact on sustainability.

Majewski concluded, Our team, partners, and clients have been crucial in making this milestone possible. Together, we are shaping the future of renewable energy, one gigawatt at a time.”

Menlo Electric remains committed to advancing renewable energy solutions through innovation, partnerships, and unmatched service quality, Majewski stressed. (hcn)





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Two recent projects in Kharkiv and Brovary showcase the foundation’s commitment to building aresilient and sustainable future for Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure.

Kharkiv children’s hospital: A beacon of hope

In Kharkiv, where the scars of conflict are still fresh, a children’s hospital now stands as a symbol of resilience and international solidarity. RePower Ukraine has installed a state-of-the-art 30 kW solar power plant, complete with 54 panels and a 43 kWh backup system. This installation ensures uninterrupted power supply to critical units, including palliative care, rehabilitation, and neurology.

Kharkiv’s Mayor, Igor Terekhov, expressed his optimism: “We’ve seen the miracle of uninterrupted power at Hospital No. 17. Now, this children’s hospital joins the ranks of the energy independent. It’s more than electricity; it’s a beacon of resilience.”

The project’s impact is profound, as described by Vladlena Salnikova, the hospital’s medical director: “Imagine a child on life support, their family anxiously watching. Now, imagine the power fails. With this system, that fear vanishes. We’re not just saving on bills; we’re saving lives and offering peace of mind.”

This achievement is the result of a global collaborative effort, involving expertise from Jinko Solar, support from BSW and SolarPower Europe, and even contributions from the community of Raasay in Scotland and Scottish schoolchildren.

Brovary multidisciplinary clinical hospital: Scaling up the vision

Building on the success in Kharkiv, RePower Ukraine has expanded its mission to the Kyiv region. The Brovary Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital now boasts a 24 kW solar power plant with a 28.8 kWh backup system, designed to support the intensive care unit serving over 187,000 residents annually.

The project’s inauguration on July 25, 2024, saw attendance from key figures, including Brovary Mayor Igor Sapozhko, German Deputy Ambassador Tim Prange, and First Deputy Minister of Health Serhiy Dubrov, underscoring the initiative’s significance at local and international levels.

RePower Ukraine

Brovary multidisciplinary clinical hospital

Jörg Ebel, President of the German Solar Association (BSW), emphasized the project’s importance in a video message: “Today it’s a great honour for me as President of the German Solar Association to welcome you all on the day when we are opening the new solar system, providing electricity and security. I am very grateful to cooperate with our dear partner – RePower Ukraine, who made this day possible.”

Also see: New Solar2Share Collective

 “I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to use our technology to help provide safe, reliable healthcare to this region,” said SMA CEO Jürgen Reinert. The German-based company was also participating in the project.

A model for sustainable healthcare

Iryna Kosenko, Communications and PR Manager of RePower Ukraine, highlighted the broader implications of these projects: “This is primarily about the energy independence of communities, the resilience of critical infrastructure, and ensuring medical services for residents, despite challenges with constant power outages. We are creating a model of supporting energy supply for hospitals that needs to be scaled to other medical facilities throughout Ukraine.”

The foundation’s work extends beyond mere infrastructure development. Established in 2022, RePower Ukraine has been implementing renewable energy initiatives across Ukraine, coupled with educational projects for veterans and internally displaced persons.

International cooperation and support

These projects exemplify the power of international cooperation in addressing urgent needs. The involvement of entities like the German Solar Association, SolarPower Europe, and various international donors demonstrates a shared commitment to Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.

First Deputy Minister of Health, Serhiy Dubrov, emphasized the critical nature of such initiatives: “In the conditions of a full-scale war, providing healthcare facilities with autonomous power sources is crucial for delivering quality medical care. By the start of the heating season, we aim to provide all cluster and super-cluster healthcare facilities with uninterrupted power sources.”

Looking ahead

As RePower Ukraine continues its mission, each solar panel installed becomes a statement of defiance against adversity and a step towards a more resilient future. The foundation’s work not only addresses immediate energy needs but also contributes to Ukraine’s long-term goals of energy independence and environmental sustainability.

Also see: Joint Venture of EBRD and Goldbeck Solar for PV projects in Ukraine

These hospital projects in Kharkiv and Brovary serve as powerful examples of how renewable energy can play a crucial role in supporting critical infrastructure during challenging times. As Ukraine looks towards recovery and rebuilding, initiatives like these pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future, powered by clean energy and international solidarity. (hcn)





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