The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has reached a key milestone in its effort to promote transparency and responsible practices within the solar industry with the release of its new Supply Chain Traceability Standard. The standard was introduced at the Sustainable Solar Conference in Brussels last week.

This new framework is designed to track the movement of silicon and other materials used in solar production through the supply chain. Independent auditors will assess the traceability of these key materials, and successful assessments will result in certification.

The SSI’s Supply Chain Traceability Standard applies across the entire solar value chain—from raw material mining to the production of solar modules. The goal is to ensure an unbroken Chain of Custody, maintaining a clear path for materials at each stage of production and guaranteeing that certified materials are kept separate from non-certified ones.

Pilot Assessments and Public Consultation

The standard was developed following input from a diverse group of over 20 organizations, including industry and civil society experts, during a public consultation. This inclusive approach helped shape a standard that is both practical and thorough, addressing real-world supply chain challenges.

The standard was also tested through pilot assessments at 14 different sites, covering various segments of the supply chain, including from polysilicon to solar modules. These tests, conducted by qualified auditors, provided valuable feedback that helped refine the standard’s requirements.

Key Updates to the Standard

As a result of the public consultation and pilot testing, several important updates were made to the final version of the standard. These include clearer guidance on technical due diligence for traders and approved suppliers, as well as the confirmation that certification cannot occur in regions that are inaccessible for unsupervised audits. Additionally, the final version of the standard offers more detailed guidance on how to ensure that management systems are well-resourced for effective traceability implementation.

Complementing Existing Standards

The new Supply Chain Traceability Standard works alongside the SSI’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Standard, adding a layer of assurance for material sourcing. Together, these standards provide a comprehensive framework that ensures both the sustainability practices of solar production sites and the traceability of materials across the supply chain.

Moving Forward

The new standard will help businesses meet regulatory requirements such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. It will also assist in implementing the EU’s Forced Labour Ban Regulation. Certification against the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard will begin in 2025, with targets set for expanding supply chain coverage and market penetration in the following years.

The Solar Stewardship Initiative, which currently has 48 members—including several major solar manufacturers—is committed to advancing sustainable practices across the solar industry. The initiative is backed by numerous solar organizations, and it enjoys the support of key financial institutions like the International Finance Corporation and the European Investment Bank.