Solarwatt leading in CSR-proof enterprising
For 30 years, Solarwatt has been at the frontline when it comes to the battle for a cleaner future with solar-energy. Not only with our premium solar-energy systems, but also by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Discover what this involves and which steps are taken by Solarwatt to guarantee sustainability as well as good labour conditions throughout the production chain.
Solarwatt stands for manufacturing free from forced labour
We would prefer not to have to make this statement. We have been producing solar panels in Germany for the last 30 years, regarding which of course we comply with the European standards for labour and the environment. The reports by Sheffield Halam University, ‘In Broad Daylight’ (2021) and ‘Overexposed’ (2023) make it clear that a significant percentage (approx. 35%) of the silicium produced worldwide is established by use of forced labour.
We are of the opinion that we, as a company, have the obligation and responsibility to require the best possible compliance with the required standards and our suppliers should check this accordingly. We do not want any forced labour in our chain.
This is the reason why Solarwatt, as a European supplier of solar panels, has performed audits throughout the chain to ban forced labour. Thanx to close collaboration with our partners, we are able to inventory out entire chain and implement improvements.
Solarwatt is also connected with the IMVO Covenant.
The price tag of ethical enterprise
For European companies, exclusion of forced labour leads to an increase of the cost price of the product. This is because the range of potential suppliers is reduced. Since Solarwatt obliges itself to only do business with ethical suppliers, this will result in a smaller pool of available suppliers. In addition, these suppliers ask a higher price, because they personally invest in decent working conditions and fair wages. This results in higher costs, but gives us, as a company, the certainty that we continue to do business in an ethically responsible way.
All products of Solarwatt Low-Carbon and PFAS-free
As set out in the report ‘Overexposed’ as well, there is a clear connection between high-carbon solar panels and forced labour, because in the relevant area electricity is produced only by use of coal-fired plants. That is why we go for low-Carbon products, with an as high as possible recycling content, and as much as possible sustainable energy (hydropower, wind and sun) in the chain. For many years we have been a specialist in glass-glass solar panels, that are intrinsically PFAS-free, due to a lack of foil at the back.
With a low CO₂-emission and PFAS-free products, Solarwatt contributes to reducing the impact on the environment. We strive for sustainability during every phase of our products. From production to recycling. As a company we take measures to minimise our ecological footprint and have a positive impact on the planet. On our panels produced in Germany, we obtained a Cradle-to-cradle Silver certificate in 2021. Our certifications and collaborations with renowned authorities emphasize our commitment to a sustainable and clean future.
So what is the importance of a Low-Carbon panel?
The Solarwatt solar panel involves an emission of approximately 500 kg/kWp, which is about half of a high-carbon panel. As we test all panels in our own test laboratory in Dresden, we can guarantee a 30-year lifespan of the panels. Taking the European sun into account, the emission per produced kWh will be about 18 grammes. As such, we make each electricity network in Europa greener.
In comparison: a high-carbon foil solar panel with an emission of 1,000 kg/kWp and a warranty of 15 years will show an emission of 67 gr/kWh. That is no longer considered an improvement in a number of countries in Europe.
The remaining CO₂ emissions can also be compensated. We already offer this option via our unique registration process of our end customers.
The CSR-proof logo of Solarwatt
At Solarwatt we believe in taking action, not just in words, but also in deeds. Our new logo perfectly matches this and epitomises the following features:
- Forced labour-free
Solarwatt commits to ban forced labour throughout the production and supply chain - PFAS-free
All of our products are free from PFAS, as a result of which we minimise the impact on humans and the environment - Low Carbon
With a low CO₂-emission our products contribute to a more sustainable world - Recyclable
Sustainability is in our DNA, therefore our products were designed to have a long lifespan and future premium recycling
Recyclability of Solarwatt products
Solarwatt commits to a circular solar-energy chain. We are co-founder of the Solar-energy Recycling. The Netherlands Foundation and offer the representative for the solar-energy sector to the OPEN foundation that is responsible for the registration and of all the electric and electronic waste in The Netherlands. We aim to have a structure in the future in which solar panels can be recycled in a highly qualitative way.
In terms of our products, we assume that by choosing glass-glass and the long lifespan resulting from it, we have the best option to separate the glass plates and the solar cells such, at the end of their lifespan, that high-quality reuse is made possible.
Solarwatt stands for the future of sustainable enterprising
Solarwatt is not only a supplier of solar-energy systems; we strive to be a symbol of dedication to a better and cleaner future, where MVO-proof enterprising is essential. Solarwatt continues to innovate and strive for a world in which sustainability is the standard. That is our mission. Today and in the future.
Solarwatt – Powering a better tomorrow.