First Solar and Qcells are the first solar panel manufacturers to register products under an environmental ratings system that establishes them as preferred suppliers for federal renewables projects.
First Solar and Qcells have seven products between them that meet the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) standard, set forth by the Global Electronics Council.
According to Fast Company, First Solar has had EPEAT registered products since 2020. The addition of Qcells to the registry satisfies a government requirement that two manufacturers with at least three products in a category are necessary to activate the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
FAR, a set of rules that guides government purchasing, was updated in 2023 to require federal buyers maximize their use of sustainable products, defined as adhering to third-party standards outlined by the EPA.
“This now means our USA-assembled and sustainably made solar products will help the federal government achieve its ambitious climate goals,” Kelly Weger, Qcells’ senior director of sustainability, said in a statement.
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