As the UK solar market grows, the focus is shifting from cost and efficiency to where panels come from.
Solar professionals must now choose ethical solar panels back by trusted certifications.
With tighter import rules and scrutiny on supply chains, choosing an ethical solar supplier is more important than ever.
We explore how standards such as EvoVadis, SA8000 and Sedex membership ensure responsible sourcing, and shows why Perlight Solar combines proven performance with verified ethical practices.
Ethical Challenges in the Global Solar Supply Chain
A large share of the world’s solar panels are produced in China, where key materials such as polysilicon have links to regions facing forced labour and human rights concerns.
Independent reviews and government reports confirm these risks, placing greater scrutiny on global supply chains.
Customers, developers, and regulatory bodies are demanding clearer visibility and greater accountability throughout the supply chain.
In the UK, suppliers must now provide ethical solar panels supported by recognised standards such as SA8000 certification, EcoVadis ratings, or Sedex memberships.
Installers and developers need to show transparency and accountability in their sourcing – shift that creates both challenges and opportunities to lead in responsible solar manufacturing.
The UK government’s Position and Industry Lessons
The UK Government’s Solar Roadmap (2025) highlights the need for transparency in solar supply chains.
Chapter 5 explicitly calls on developers and suppliers to prioritise panels with traceable, ethically verified origin, stating:
“We encourage developers and suppliers to move towards traceable, ethically sourced solar technologies.”
This stance strengthened in 2025 when Great British Energy, the UK’s public renewables company, rejected solar panels linked to forced labour, as reported by The Guardian.
The decision, shaped by public pressure and policy scrutiny, sent a clear message: ethical solar panels are now an expectation, not a preference.
In today’s market, projects backed by government or institutional funding require proof of ethical sourcing.
Solar firms that work with ethical suppliers holding independent certifications gain a competitive and compliant edge.
Turning Ethics into a Commercial Advantage
Ethical sourcing is now central to the UK solar sector. Manufacturers with certifications such as Sedex and SA8000 earn trust as reliable, future-ready partners.
These credentials confirm compliance with standards on labour rights, environmental responsibility, and ethical conduct.
For solar professionals, partnering with certified suppliers:
- Meets tender and procurement requirements
- Aligns with client ESG commitments
- Reduces reputational and compliance risks
- Builds stronger, forward-looking procurement strategy
Perlight Solar leads in this space. It holds Sedex and SA8000 certification, along with a Bronze EcoVadis award.
These achievements prove Perlight Solar’s commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing-qualities that strengthen both competitiveness and credibility.
Take the Ethical Lead with Perlight Solar
Across trade supply, domestic installs, and commercial projects, sourcing ethically now essential.
Perlight Solar panels, recognised by EcoVadis, Sedex and SA8000, help businesses stay compliant and meet client expectations.
At Westech, we are proud to be the official UK representative of Perlight, giving our partners direct access to certified, ethical solar panels back by proven performance.
