As your dedicated procurement partner specializing in solar energy systems, PVO’s takes the next step on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles with our ESG & Traceability Promise. One of the commitments stated in this promise, involves thorough batch tracking. PVO’s Procurement Manager Erwin Damen explains how PVO realizes this promise and the key role that our partner Sinovoltaics plays in our ESG commitment.
100% batch tracking
Our 100% batch tracking commitment is a thorough supply chain tracking process which we implemented for orders that are purchased on project base. The batch tracking is done in a traceability report. Erwin recently explained the importance of batch tracking and our collaboration with Sinovoltaics, during the Sustainable Europe event in Brussels. Erwin: ‘’If a factory is audited, it doesn‘t mean that the next time we come, it will also be okay. That’s why we do batch tracking with Sinovoltaics in addition to factory audits. That way we can track the supply chain for every module being shipped to our partners.”
The batch tracking activities involve a thorough inspection that analyzes and verifies the origin of materials for each solar panel. The assessment is made by verifying raw material information such as serial numbers, purchase orders and purchase contracts from the suppliers, all to ensure that only agreed materials from the right suppliers are used.
Sinovoltaics: PVO partner in ESG
International BD Director at Sinovoltaics, Benoit van der Maas explains how Sinovoltaics empowers PVO’s ESG commitment with batch tracking: ‘’While the manufacturer provides information on their suppliers used for the production of PVO’s orders, Sinovoltaics verifies this information to ensure that this information is valid and complete. This enables PVO and their partners to get a fully verified and transparent overview of their solar modules’ supply chain. The origin of all materials in the solar module will be verified, such as the frame, junction box and cells, but also verifying the raw materials of the cells up to polysilicon.‘’
Factory audit
Image: Sinovoltaics
Setting the pace for future rules and regulations
While batch tracking is already required for importing solar modules into the U.S., it is not required yet for importing solar modules into Europe. Laws and regulations in Europe are getting more strict regarding traceability of solar modules and other products. With the Sinovoltaics’ batch tracking, PVO and its partners can rest assured that orders comply with all current and coming laws and regulations regarding traceability. One of them being the upcoming European Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, PVO and Sinovoltaics’ batch tracking already complies and offers partners full transparency into the product’s journey.
Our promise, your benefit
Benoit continues: ‘’ Sinovoltaics’ partnership with PVO originated in 2020 when PVO looked to offer an extra layer of quality to their clients. Today our join efforts increased the quality of many projects in Europe and with our new collaboration concerning traceability we are also increasing the supply chain transparency of many future projects.’’
Do you wish to discuss the possibilities of ethical procurement for your next solar project? Our experts are ready to tell you more about our product portfolio and ESG & Traceability efforts. Together we have the power to change the world.
Factory audit
Image: Sinovoltaics
