SolarWorld Industries America Inc. performed best among makers of conventional solar modules in an independent survey of photovoltaic manufacturing companies' performance on environmental and social responsibilities, according to a new report from the high-technology watchdog group Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition.
SolarWorld, the nation's largest and most experienced solar manufacturer, earned a "sunny" ranking, a gold star and the top numerical rating among crystalline photovoltaic manufacturers in a report that the SVTC released today. The tech-industry environmental-advocacy group, which authored the report "Toward a Just and Sustainable Solar Industry" in 2009 and previously spearheaded initiatives to curb computer waste, has stirred national discussion about the solar industry's responsible, clean development.
SolarWorld has led the solar industry in product and manufacturing stewardship and transparency, launching the first and still only conventional PV recycling plant in 2003, earning high marks in global sustainability reporting and donating modules for rural-electrification projects in developing nations. Among the projects have been several in Haiti, both before and after earthquake disaster struck on Jan. 12.
"The interests of sustainability must define the solar industry," said Boris Klebensberger, SolarWorld's chief operating officer and the company's top executive in the Americas. "It is not enough to drive technology for more sustainable energy production. The industry also must develop along a wholly sustainable course."
As part of the SVTC research, Mr. Klebensberger invited a delegation of its leaders and researchers to its recycling plant in Freiberg, Germany, a visit that became a stop on a European industry tour. In Germany, the company has won the federal government's award for the most sustainable production.
To view the SVTC's full scorecard, visit www.solarscorecard.com.
About the SolarWorld group
The SolarWorld group (ISIN: DE0005108401) is a worldwide leader in offering brand-name, high-quality, crystalline solar-power technology. Its strength is its fully integrated solar production. From silicon as the raw material through wafers, cells and modules all the way to turn-key solar systems, including recycling, the group combines all stages of the solar value chain. The central business activity is selling quality modules into the installation and distribution trades and crystalline wafers to the international solar cell industry. Group headquarters are located in Bonn, Germany. Production sites are to be found in Germany, the United States and South Korea. The group's largest production facilities operate in Freiberg, Germany and Hillsboro in the U.S. state of Oregon. Sustainability is the basis of the group strategy. Under the name Solar2World, the group supports care projects using off-grid solar-power solutions in emerging economies and developing countries, exemplifying sustainable economic development. Worldwide, SolarWorld employs more than 2,700 people. SolarWorld AG has been quoted on the stock exchange since 1999 and today is listed on, among others, the TecDAX, ÖkoDAX, Dow Jones STOXX 600 as well as in the sustainability indices DAXglobal Alternative Energy and NAI.
Contacts:
SolarWorld
Ben Santarris
Mobile: 503-927-9858
Office:
503-693-5189
ben.santarris@solarworld-usa.com