This report provides a detailed review of sustainability standards for the PV sector, mapping the current landscape of regulatory and voluntary frameworks that influence the industry’s environmental and social performance.
According to the report’s findings, while sustainability standards for PV are evolving rapidly, significant gaps remain — particularly in end-of-life management and the inclusion of robust social criteria. The analysis also notes a wide disparity in maturity, from long-standing EU regulations to emerging ecolabels with limited uptake.
“This report brings much-needed clarity to the fragmented landscape of PV sustainability standards, highlighting both gaps and opportunities to guide the industry forward,” says Nieves Espinosa, co-author of the report.
Key Takeways:
- Sustainability standards for PV are rapidly evolving, yet significant gaps remain — particularly in end-of-life management and the integration of robust social criteria.
- There is a wide disparity in maturity across standards — from long-standing EU regulations to emerging ecolabels with limited adoption.
- Streamlining and harmonising standards could reduce reporting burdens and accelerate sustainability progress across the PV value chain.
By classifying standards into three categories — sectoral reporting, product-related standards, and regulatory frameworks — the study supports policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in aligning PV practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
