The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has released its first Buyer’s Guide, a practical resource to empower solar energy buyers, such as project developers, investors, public bodies, or private businesses, to responsibly source solar modules and materials.
“As the solar industry faces increasing expectations for transparency, traceability, and responsible sourcing, the Solar Stewardship Initiative’s first Buyer’s Guide provides clear, actionable steps that empower buyers to put responsible sourcing into action. This marks an important new phase for the SSI, moving from standard-setting and on-site assessments to supporting wider implementation and strengthening collaboration between buyers and suppliers. By translating the SSI’s standards into clear steps for procurement, we are supporting buyers to source responsibly and help them navigate new regulatory and market expectations.” said Rachel Owens, CEO of the SSI.
Developed in close collaboration with SSI members, the SSI Buyer’s Guide responds directly to buyers’ demand for consistent, sector-specific guidance and supports companies preparing for new regulatory requirements, including due diligence laws, forced labour bans, and transparency rules.
The SSI Buyer’s Guide is structured in two parts: a public section offering practical recommendations for procurement teams, and member-only annexes with templates, checklists, and contract clause examples. This approach ensures that both SSI members and the wider industry can benefit from the Guide’s insights and tools.
Looking ahead, the Guide lays the groundwork for future initiatives and enhanced support for members through the forthcoming SSI digital platform.
The Guide will be launched by SSI CEO Rachel Owens at the Sustainable Solar Europe event today.
For more information, visit www.solarstewardshipinitiative.org or follow us on LinkedIn.