Last week, 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.
Over a busy week, with temperatures soaring, the SSI team participated in three speaking engagements, including our dedicated side session, and held more than 15 meetings with stakeholders from across the global solar value chain. These conversations reflected a growing recognition that responsible, transparent and resilient supply chains are becoming a core part of the solar industry’s future.
SSI Board Chair, Máté Heisz, moderated one of the opening session of the Intersolar Conference on behalf of our CEO. He kicked off the panel on “Sustainable Solar: How Policy Changes Impact ESG Practices in Solar System Design and Component Sourcing” with an introductory presentation to the SSI, and a reflection on the acceleration of supply chain sustainability legislation around the world. Other panellists then presented a 360⁰ view of sustainable solar, sharing insights on life-cycle assessments for emissions, circularity, and more.
At our dedicated side session, “From Commitments to Results: Deploying ESG and Traceability Through the SSI”, our Head of Assurance, Julija Menise shared early anonymised and aggregated insights from SSI ESG and traceability assessments. Then our Global Membership & Commitments Manager, Margaux Plurien exchanged with panellists from IFC, RWE, Statkraft and LONGi, on what implementation looks like in practice, where challenges remain, and how supply chain data can support procurement, due diligence and investment decisions.
Our Policy & Outreach Officer, Karolina Markusson also presented at one of the long-standing traditional sessions at Intersolar – the Global Associations Workshop. The Workshop acts as a speed run around the world, where the audience hears from more than 30 associations in quick succession about developments in this market. Always well attended, Karolina presented on behalf of our member Solar Ireland, and also shared updates from the Solar Stewardship Initiative.
The week also provided valuable opportunities to engage with manufacturers from around the world, including a strong presence from India, which was the focus country at Intersolar Europe 2026. Discussions centred on market access, and how companies can prepare for evolving ESG and traceability requirements.
Thank you to everyone who joined our sessions, met with the team, and contributed to thoughtful discussions throughout the week. The conversations in Munich reinforced a clear message: the industry is moving beyond commitments and towards demonstrating measurable progress.