News

The Solar Stewardship Initiative announces new Head of Standards and Assurance

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is pleased to announce a senior appointment as Julija Menise takes up the role of Head of Standards and Assurance. Julija’s appointment further strengthens SSI’s capacity to develop and implement credible standards, assurance, and traceability programmes that support responsible production, enhance transparency, and help companies demonstrate alignment with evolving sustainability … Continued

ESG Standard certifications continue with a new Astronergy site certified

Congratulations to Astronergy, whose Chint Solar Technology (Yueqing) Co., Ltd. site has achieved certification against the SSI ESG Standard.    Following independent third-party assessments, the site demonstrated that it meets rigorous requirements in the areas of governance and business ethics, environmental protection, and human and labour rights. This provides buyers and downstream partners with a key … Continued

ESG Standard certifications continue with a new JA Solar site certified

Congratulations to JA Solar, whose DongTai JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd. site has achieved certification against the SSI ESG Standard.    Following independent third-party assessments, the site demonstrated that it meets rigorous requirements in the areas of governance and business ethics, environmental protection, and human and labour rights. This provides buyers and downstream partners with a … Continued

The Solar Stewardship Initiative and Global Battery Alliance sign partnership to advance responsible energy supply chains

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) and the Global Battery Alliance (GBA) have taken a decisive step towards jointly reinforcing responsible solar and storage supply chains. The two multi-stakeholder initiatives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on supply chain traceability, sustainability assurance, stakeholder engagement and capacity building, while also supporting greater alignment and knowledge exchange across the renewable energy value chain. 

SSI Input to Canadian Government Consultations on Forced Labour Import Prohibition and Due Diligence

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has submitted responses to the Government of Canada’s two public consultations on measures to address forced labour and labour exploitation in global supply chains. The first consultation will help to inform how Canada, under Bill C-35 (An Act respecting the prohibition of the importation of goods produced by forced labour), develops … Continued

Double certification: Jietai Solar sites certified against both SSI Standards

Congratulations to Jietai Solar, whose sites Chuzhou Jietai New Energy Technology Co. Ltd. and Huai’an Jietai New Energy Technology Co., Ltd have both achieved certification against the SSI ESG Standard and the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard.   Following independent assessments, these sites demonstrated they have systems in place to trace products along key stages of … Continued

ESG Standard certifications continue with a new Jinko Solar site certified

Congratulations to Jinko Solar, whose Shangrao Jinko Photovoltaic Manufacturing Co., Ltd. site has achieved certification against the SSI ESG Standard.   Following independent third-party assessments, the site demonstrated that it meets rigorous requirements in the areas of governance and business ethics, environmental protection, and human and labour rights. This provides buyers and downstream partners with a key layer of assurance that this … Continued

SSI Input to EU CSDDD Implementing Guidelines

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has submitted its response to the European Commission’s public consultation on the implementation guidelines for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The consultation will inform the Commission’s development of practical guidance to support companies and authorities in implementing due diligence requirements under the Directive. In its submission, the SSI … Continued

Double certification: Tongwei Solar site certified against both SSI Standards

Congratulations to Tongwei Solar, whose Tongwei Solar (Nantong) Co., Ltd. site has achieved certification against both the SSI ESG Standard and the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard.  Following independent assessments, this site demonstrated it has systems in place to trace products along key stages of the supply chain, and that it meets rigorous requirements in … Continued

Moving upstream: Qinghai Lihao Clean Energy becomes the first SSI certified polysilicon site

Congratulations to Qinghai Lihao Clean Energy Co., Ltd., whose polysilicon manufacturing site has achieved certification against both the SSI ESG Standard and the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard. Particularly noteworthy is their Gold SCT certification, which means they can trace their material to the quartzite mines supplying them – at the very beginning of the supply chain.  Following independent third-party assessments, the site demonstrated it has systems in place to trace products along key stages of … Continued

Traceability in practice: Canadian Solar certifies two further sites against the SSI SCT Standard

Congratulations to Canadian Solar Co., Ltd., whose CSI Cells (Suqian) Co., Ltd. and Sunenergy (Baotou) Co., Ltd. sites have both achieved certification against the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard.  Following independent assessments, both sites demonstrated they have systems in place to trace products along key stages of the supply chain. This gives buyers and downstream partners tangible assurance that these sites are supporting responsible sourcing practices.  Congratulations to all SSI … Continued

The SSI at Intersolar 2026

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) team joined industry leaders, manufacturers, buyers, policymakers and financial institutions at Intersolar Europe 2026 in Munich. An unmissable event in Europe’s solar calendar, the SSI had a more developed programme than ever.

Jinko Solar achieves certification against the SSI SCT Standard for two sites

Congratulations to Jinko Solar Co., Ltd. on achieving SSI Supply Chain Traceability certifications for the two sites:  Shangrao Guangxin Jinko Photovoltaic Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and Jinkosolar (Feidong) Co., Ltd. Following the assessments, both sites were certified against the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard. This certification verifies that a site has systems in place to demonstrate traceability across … Continued

The Solar Stewardship Initiative welcomes three new senior appointments

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new senior team members. The move further reinforces the Initiative’s capacity to deliver the practical tools and internationally aligned benchmarks that strengthen ESG and traceability standards, help solar companies demonstrate responsible production, and enhance supply‑chain governance and transparency whilst building confidence in global markets. Rose Wu … Continued

Trina Solar achieves certification against the SSI SCT Standard for two sites

Congratulations to Trina Solar on achieving SSI Supply Chain Traceability certifications for their two sites: Trina Solar (Yancheng) New Energy Co. Ltd. and Trina Solar Yiwu Technology Co. Ltd. Following the assessments, both sites were certified against the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard. This certification verifies that a site has systems in place to demonstrate … Continued

The SSI publishes its first annual report

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has published its first annual report.

Covering SSI’s first full year of operation in 2025, the Report provides a transparent overview of how the SSI ESG and Supply Chain Traceability Standards are being applied in practice.

The SSI and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance sign partnership to advance responsible mineral sourcing in solar supply chains

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) and the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on responsible mineral sourcing, supply chain transparency and respect for human and workers’ rights across solar supply chains, from mining through to solar module manufacturing.

The Solar Stewardship Initiative and Solar Ireland partner to advance responsible solar sourcing in Ireland

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solar Ireland. Through this collaboration, the SSI and Solar Ireland will work together to continue ensure that the Irish solar market’s rapid expansion is anchored in a commitment to responsible and sustainable practices across the entire solar value chain.

SSI Progress Update | January – June 2025

Since the beginning of 2025, a growing number of solar manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers have joined the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI), reflecting the increasing recognition that transparent, responsible solar supply chains are essential for a fair and sustainable energy transition.

The Solar Stewardship Initiative announces its multi-stakeholder Board

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is proud to announce the official formation of its multi-stakeholder Board, marking a new phase in its evolution as the leading global ESG and traceability assurance mechanism for the solar industry.  The new governance structure ensures equal representation between the industry and non-industry board members. The newly appointed six non-industry … Continued

Statement: The SSI acknowledged by the UK Government as a tool to help fight forced labour in solar supply chains.

Last week, the UK Government officially acknowledged the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) as a tool to help implement its amendment to the GB Energy Bill addressing forced labour in solar supply chains. Rachel Owens, CEO of the Solar Stewardship Initiative, (she/her), commented: “We welcome the UK Government’s recognition of the SSI as a key assurance … Continued

Statement: The Solar Stewardship Initiative welcomes the UK Government’s GB Energy Bill amendment to address forced labour in solar supply chains 

Rachel Owens, CEO of the Solar Stewardship Initiative, (she/her) said:   “The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) welcomes the UK government’s proposed amendment to the GB Energy Bill aimed at addressing forced labour in solar supply chains for UK markets. Strengthening supply chain due diligence is the duty of a responsible sector, and essential to ensure that … Continued

The SSI appoints Rachel Owens as new Chief Executive Officer

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Owens as its new Chief Executive Officer. Rachel brings a wealth of experience across philanthropy, civil society and government advocating for sustainability, corporate accountability and transparency, positioning her as a strong leader to drive SSI’s mission forward. Rachel joins the SSI from … Continued

The Solar Stewardship Initiative updates its Core Documents to strengthen responsible solar supply chains

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has updated its Core Documents – the Claims Guide, Assurance Manual, Complaints & Appeals Mechanism, and Assessment Body and Assessor Approval Procedure to ensure they continue to evolve alongside the Initiative’s growth and reflect the newly published SSI Traceability Standard. These updates reinforce the SSI’s commitment to robust governance, transparency, … Continued

The SSI joins the Green Economy Coalition to strengthen responsible solar supply chains

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is proud to announce its membership in the Green Economy Coalition (GEC), the world’s largest alliance dedicated to transforming economic systems for a greener and fairer future. The GEC brings together businesses, trade associations, NGOs, UN agencies and civil society groups to advocate for sustainable economic reform. By joining this … Continued

The SSI lifts temporary suspension of JA Solar membership following investigation

Based on the findings of the investigation it commissioned, the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) Board has unanimously decided to lift the temporary suspension of JA Solar’s membership imposed on 16 January 2025 with immediate effect, recognising the company’s full cooperation and commitment in good faith to the established SSI Principles. The SSI reiterates its commitment … Continued

Statement: Updates to the UFLPA Entity List – 15 January 2025

On 15 January 2025, Donghai JA Solar Technology Co, LTd, a subsidiary of JA Solar, was one of 37 cross-sector entities added to the United States’ Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. Donghai JA Solar Technology Co LTd presence on the list prevents entry of their products into the US market. The Solar … Continued

First ESG assessments successfully completed and more underway under the Solar Stewardship Initiative

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) assessments, with additional ones already ongoing. These independent, third-party assessments, conducted by auditors at key solar production sites, mark a significant step forward in the SSI mission to promote transparency, accountability, and responsible practices across … Continued

The Solar Stewardship Initiative publishes its Supply Chain Traceability Standard

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has reached a new major milestone in its mission to create end-to-end transparency and promote responsible practices across the solar value chain with the publication of its Supply Chain Traceability Standard. This new Standard provides a robust framework for tracing silicon (or other semiconducting materials) throughout the solar supply chain. … Continued

The Solar Stewardship Initiative achieves milestone with multi-stakeholder governance approval and seeks new non-industry Board member applications

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has reached a major milestone in finalising its inclusive governance model. Following consultations with its Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) and other non-industry stakeholders, the SSI Board has officially approved its fully-fledged Multi-Stakeholder Governance Terms of Reference, acting the initiative’s commitment to equal representation of interests. Under the finalised structure, there … Continued

Supply Chain Traceability Standard – Public Consultation now live

The SSI is seeking feedback on all aspects of the draft Supply Chain Traceability Standard and will conduct pilot testing in the coming months. Please use this form to share your feedback during the public consultation. Submissions will be open until October 21st, 2024, 23:59 CET. If your organisation is interested in participating in the … Continued

The Solar Stewardship Initiative welcomes its first Assessment Bodies

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is pleased to announce its partnerships with the first seven Assessment Bodies (ABs) set to support the work of the SSI: Intertek (parent company of Clean Energy Associates) DNV KIWA SGS Sinovoltaics TUV Sud TUV Rheinland These ABs will conduct assessments at the manufacturing sites of SSI members, against the … Continued

The first step of Solar Stewardship Initiative Governance achieved

In March 2024, the first step of SSI Governance was achieved, with the initial industry members of the SSI Transition Governance being accepted to the SSI Board. The SSI is being designed as a multi-stakeholder initiative; the permanent governance of the SSI, which will be achieved later in 2024, will be governed by balance of … Continued

Solar Stewardship Initiative publishes first solar supply chain ESG Standard

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is a solar-specific supply chain assurance scheme, working to further develop confidence in how, where, and by whom, solar products are manufactured. Following the successful conclusion of the SSI pilot and public multi-stakeholder consultation, the new SSI ESG Standard has been published – it’s the first supply chain ESG Standard … Continued

Flagship Solar Supply Chain Sustainability Initiative Launches Public Consultation.

Wednesday 17th May 2023: Today, the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has opened a process for interested organisations to provide feedback on its development. The SSI was launched in October 2022, by SolarPower Europe and Solar Energy UK, with the goal of securing and demonstrating  responsibility, transparency, and sustainability across the solar value chain. The Initiative … Continued

Solar Industry unites behind Supply Chain Sustainability Initiative

SolarPower Europe and Solar Energy UK launch the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI), setting out the solar industry’s concrete plan to reinforce a responsible, transparent, and sustainable solar value chain. Work on the SSI has been ongoing since February 2021, and is now publicly endorsed by over 50 solar companies, spanning the full value chain. A … Continued

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