First Solar Modules Lead Environmental Charge: Achieve World’s First EPEAT Climate+ Designation, Redefining Sustainability Standards in Solar Technology

First Solar has announced that its Series 6 Plus and Series 7 TR1 photovoltaic (PV) solar modules are the world’s first to achieve the EPEAT Climate+ designation, setting a new standard in the solar technology and manufacturing industry.

EPEAT, a globally recognized ecolabel, validates environmentally preferable products from socially responsible companies, considering the entire product life cycle. EPEAT Climate+ is unique in addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during solar module production, with products required to meet an ultra-low carbon threshold of ≤400 kg CO2e/kWp. This designation aids purchasers in identifying climate-friendly technology products, facilitating the reduction of scope 3 emissions from solar installations.

Bob Mitchell, CEO of the Global Electronics Council (GEC), emphasized the significance of EPEAT Climate+: “This is a simple, yet effective tool to mitigate lifecycle carbon impacts of solar modules, while enabling a market for responsibly manufactured technologies that embody sustainability.”

Samantha Sloan, Vice President of Policy, Sustainability, and Marketing at First Solar, highlighted the importance of this achievement: “With EPEAT Climate+, our customers now benefit from a global standard that allows them to confidently procure solar modules that lower their scope 3 emissions and are responsibly made.”

First Solar’s Series 6 Plus and Series 7 TR1 modules are known for setting industry benchmarks in quality, durability, reliability, design, and environmental performance. These modules have the lowest carbon and water footprint among commercially available PV modules.

First Solar’s modules have been included in a list of nearly 1,500 products by leading electronics brands known as EPEAT Climate+ Champions, marking them as environmentally preferable choices. The company aims to validate the environmental footprint of its Series 7 FT1 module, manufactured in India, with the goal of achieving an EPEAT Climate+ designation.