Lightsource bp lists their suppliers, company philosophy

Lightsource bp, as part of its application to the Ohio Power Siting Board for the Birch Solar Project, has named the manufacturers from whom they will source materials.

One of those manufacturers, Trina Solar, has been linked to polysilicon companies in China who are accused of using forced labor to produce solar modules. The reports came from Research firm Panjiva and the consultancy Horizon Advisory in late January. One company Trina has been linked to in particular is Daqo New Energy, reportedly tied to a Xinjiang paramilitary group accused of human rights abuses.

Lightsource Bp project Director Shanelle Montana said, “As a result of existing U.S. tariffs levied against solar modules manufactured in China, Lightsource bp does not procure solar modules from China for its U.S. projects. However, certain components of the modules may originate in China.”

Montana continued, “Our company’s core values, code of conduct, and anti-slavery policy require strict adherence to ethical and sustainable business practices and compliance with applicable law, which extend to our supply chain, contractors, suppliers and other partners. Lightsource bp purchases solar modules directly from module manufacturers, who (along with their subcontractors and suppliers) are required to comply with our code of conduct.”

An anti slavery statement from Light Source Bp states, “If we identify instances of modern slavery or human trafficking, we will take suitable action which may include terminating discussions and/or existing relationships with the counterparty in question and notifying relevant authorities of the issues involved. Where a counterparty does not have suitable controls in place to prevent slavery and human trafficking, we will consider whether we can work with them to implement improvements.”

Montana said “At Lightsource bp we take any claims linking the solar industry to forced labor practices very seriously.”

In light of the specific concerns raised about forced labor in mainland China, Lightsource bp has taken the following additional actions:

• Lightsource bp has signed a pledge along with 175 solar developers, operators and manufacturers setting out the solar industry’s firm opposition to the use of forced labor within the solar supply chain. The signatories commit to helping ensure that the solar supply chain is free of forced labor and raising awareness within the industry on this important issue.

• In collaboration with the Solar Energy Industry Association(seia), its members and subject matter experts such as Clean Energy Associates (CEA), Lightsource bp is supporting the development and implementation of a traceability protocol, under which we can confirm that the supply chain does not include materials or components sourced using forced labor from Xinjiang province in China.

• Lightsource bp supports efforts by U.S. Congress to enact legislation that seeks to curtail the use of force labor within the solar supply chain.

Lightsource bp's application for the solar project remains under review with the Ohio Power Siting Board.