About

Many people think of PV panels as a homogeneous commodity. However, there are significant differences between the longevity of modules (10 vs 30 years), degradation, the presence of toxics (most modules contain PFAS, lead and antimony, some models none), carbon footprint (range from 250-1000+ kg CO2/kWp), and so on. There are also differences in project terms and conditions that can have a big impact on financial outcomes over time. We make such issues insightful and transparent to our community members.
Focus of the community
The Community of Public Buyers for Solar PV provides insights and information on sustainability, quality and financial aspects, market surveys (what is available at which price) as well as templates for tenders and contracts.
Latest news

PV Procurement Criteria + PV project Guide translated in 24 EU languages
The Big Buyers Working Together (BBWT) Community of Practice (CoP) working on Sustainable Solar panels has made the guide ‘How to Prepare and Start a PV Project’ available in 24 EU languages.

Dutch guide on PV projects used by European public buyers
In 2023 a Dutch Buyers Group, made possible by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, developed a guideto provide assistance and support to contracting authorities when preparing calls for tenders for photovoltaic (PV) projects
Latest resources
Solar Supply Chains in Focus: understand risks, buy responsibly!
The brochure “Solar supply chains in focus – understand the risks, buy responsibly”, produced by Powershift eV on behalf of the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Mitte district offices, highlights human rights and environmental risks in the silicon-based solar module supply chain and presents possible approaches for socially responsible and ecological public procurement.
BBWT Sustainable Solar PV: Updates on the latest EU legislation
On 11th of December 2024 the Sustainable Solar PV Community of Practice met with Commission's services. Find out about the latest state of play of relevant legislations