SEIA Introduces Standard 101 to Enhance Supply Chain Transparency for Solar and Storage Products

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a draft of a new industry standard aimed at increasing transparency in the solar and storage supply chain while helping companies meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) traceability requirements.

The new Standard 101 is the first of its kind, offering a detailed framework for manufacturers and importers to trace the origins of products from raw materials to finished goods. Developed with input from various stakeholders, including manufacturers, developers, and third-party auditors, the standard is based on real-world examples of solar product shipments detained and released by customs officials.

Standard 101 supports both companies and products, helping solar developers and manufacturers with supply chain mapping and tracking. Manufacturers can use it to certify individual products and their overall business practices. Once published, SEIA will collaborate with third-party auditors to ensure the traceability of products and certify manufacturers’ supply chain management systems.

Solar and storage developers, installers, insurers, and other related businesses can also use the standard to track project component origins or require vendors to follow SEIA’s guidelines. “The U.S. solar and storage industry has an unwavering commitment to ethical operations,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “As we build out domestic manufacturing up and down the supply chain, this standard will help to ensure all solar and storage products installed in the United States meet the highest ethical standards. This standard is part of SEIA’s broader efforts to build a strong foundation for the industry and thoughtfully address near- and long-term challenges, setting the industry up for decades of success.” 

Currently open for public comment, Standard 101 is expected to be finalized and in use by Q1 2025.