First Solar has published details of onsite third-party social audits conducted across its global manufacturing footprint, in what it believes is an industry first.
On the release of its 2023 Sustainability Report, the US thin-film solar module maker has established an industry benchmark for transparency by making public details of onsite third-party social audits across its factories.
First Solar said its integrated manufacturing process helps eliminate risks and traceability challenges associated with outsourcing.
First Solar, a member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), conducted three onsite third-party RBA Validated Assessment Program (VAP) audits at its manufacturing facilities in the United States, Malaysia and Vietnam.
While the company’s US and Vietnam operations achieved platinum status, the highest possible rating, the audits uncovered the fact that four service providers at its Malaysia facility fell short of First Solar’s standards.
Details of the findings and First Solar’s corrective actions are included in the company’s 2023 Sustainability Report.
The Malaysia facility is expected to have its VAP closure audit in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The purpose of proven third-party social audits like the RBA VAP social audits is not to rubber-stamp compliance but to identify and remedy existing and potential issues to help improve the lives of workers across the supply chain.
“We have chosen to highlight the audit findings openly, not only because of our commitment to transparency and Responsible Solar, but to raise awareness of modern slavery risks that hide in plain sight and to illustrate the value of an independent third-party social audit conducted in a credible, comprehensive manner,” said First Solar chief executive officer Mark Widmar.
“The solar industry will anchor the global transition to a sustainable energy future, and we believe that it must do so responsibly. Quite simply, our industry’s work to power the energy transition and enable the fight against climate change does not serve as credits to offset its social and human rights obligations.”
The report also highlights that First Solar’s new factory in Tamil Nadu, India, which is scheduled to begin commercial production in the second half of 2023, is expected to be the world’s first net-zero water withdrawal solar manufacturing facility.
The facility, located in a region of high baseline water stress, is designed to minimise its impact on local water resources and will rely entirely on tertiary treated reverse osmosis water from the city’s sewage treatment plant and have zero wastewater discharge.
Widmar added: “As we continue our journey to growth we are doubling down on our commitment to Responsible Solar and meaningfully contributing to the fight against climate change.
“This includes designing our manufacturing facilities and products with sustainability in mind.”