- JA SOLAR has long been recognized as one of the most reliable partners when it comes to quality, efficiency and innovation.
- With time, our ambition has grown to be equally recognized for embedding sustainability into our strategy, going beyond compliance and focusing on transparency and responsibility.
That is especially vital when it comes to substances of concern, which face increasing regulatory and stakeholder scrutiny. In the EU, regulations such as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) have set the benchmark for chemical safety, progressively adding more substances to restricted lists. Similar frameworks are emerging worldwide, showing that substance regulation is fast becoming a global priority.
One of the most debated groups of substances today is PFAS (i.e. per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals persist in the environment, can accumulate in living organisms and pose serious health risks. Several PFAS are already classified as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), yet no single regulation covers the entire PFAS family or sets universal thresholds, making proactive action by companies even more important.
PFAS have been called “forever chemicals” and can be found in numerous everyday household products
Beyond compliance
In the solar sector, because of their properties, PFAS can be used to increase the power conversion efficiency and PV modules lifetime, enhancing their resistance to weathering, abrasion and chemical attack. But as the solar industry evolves, alternatives are gaining ground, and many manufacturers are moving toward safer solutions.
Aware of these dynamics, JA SOLAR took a proactive step without waiting for regulations. We voluntarily conducted a comprehensive evaluation of our PV modules for the most common PFAS. The result: after assessing 545 PFAS substances, SGS, one of the world’s most respected testing and certification bodies, awarded us an independent Environmental Claim Certificate, as none were detected in our products.
But why don’t we claim “PFAS-free”? Because making such a claim would be scientifically misleading and could compromise the trust of our customers. Analytical methods cannot guarantee the absolute absence of every compound in such a vast chemical family, and there is no legal definition of PFAS-free in the European Union today. What we can certify is that none of the 545 most relevant PFAS substances for the solar sector were detected and that our testing protocols meet the strictest available standards. We believe that precision and honesty are fundamental to real transparency and are essential for building long-term trust in solar technology.
PFAS have been called “forever chemicals” and can be found in numerous everyday household products
Driving transparency and anticipation
At JA SOLAR, our approach to hazardous substances is not one of reaction but of anticipation. We continuously update our REACH compliance, not only covering the substances already restricted or classified as SVHC, but also those currently under evaluation and likely to be included in future revisions. We also share the outcomes of our substance assessments and make this information publicly available, so that our customers can rely on transparent, verified data when choosing our products.
Our actions go beyond legal requirements. For example, although the EU’s RoHS Directive does not apply to PV modules, we voluntarily test our products against its limits. And results show that our modules would comply if the regulation was applied.
So far, we have mainly focused on the EU, but at the global level we are also witnessing a gradual convergence on chemical safety. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is introducing reporting obligations that require manufacturers and importers to disclose the presence of PFAS and other hazardous substances in articles placed on the market. Asia is also moving quickly: China and Japan are strengthening their chemical management systems and aligning closely with European requirements. Latin America, particularly Brazil and Chile, have also adopted similar frameworks inspired by REACH, which also includes a list of regulated substances and reporting obligations.
Looking to the future
In this continuously evolving context, our PFAS Environmental Certification is a concrete proof of our commitment. It reflects our willingness not just to comply but to act before regulations arrive.
These steps are not simply about compliance, they are about preparing the solar industry for what comes next. By working closely with suppliers, we are already reducing substances that are likely to be restricted in the next regulatory cycle and investing in R&D to identify safer alternatives. This way, innovation and sustainability move forward together.
These efforts contribute to building a supply chain that is more transparent, resilient and aligned with global sustainability goals. For our customers and partners, it brings greater certainty, knowing that our products meet today’s requirements while also being ready for tomorrow’s expectations. At JA SOLAR, our commitment goes beyond renewable energy generation. We are determined to do it responsibly, with integrity, transparency and innovation at every step. That is our vision and our essence.
Source: JA Solar
