We are excited to have participated in the PV ModuleTech Europe Conference 2024, held on November 26-27 in Málaga, Spain, where the future of PV module supply to the European market is being shaped. The energy and insights shared among industry peers truly highlight the dynamic yet complex challenges shaping the European solar supply chain.
On Day 1, our Technical Advisor, Dr. Stefano N. Granata, delivered a compelling presentation on Effective Factory Auditing through the Value Chain, highlighting how buyers can ensure confidence and compliance throughout the procurement process.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Stefano N. Granata’s presentation:
1. Comprehensive Audit Tools to tackle buyers’ concerns:
-Quality Management System & Manufacturing Process Audit: Ensures consistent, standards-aligned production.
-Traceability Management System Audit: Validates internal and external traceability capabilities.
-Supply Chain Mapping: Verifies traceability claims and maps suppliers across the chain.
-ESG Management System Audit: Assesses the sustainability framework at manufacturing facilities.
2. Emerging Audit Trends (From STS Audit Database):
-Year-on-year growth in audits—SCM and ESG audits lead the trend, reflecting rising global awareness.
-Suppliers are adapting at different speeds to growing traceability and ESG demands.
3. Audits Across the Procurement Lifecycle:
-Pre-contract: Supplier assessment for quality, material provenance, and ESG readiness.
-Post-contract: Ensuring traceability and ESG requirements are met during manufacturing.
This session emphasized how proactive due diligence and auditing safeguard the quality, traceability, and sustainability of solar projects.
During the Special Debate on Day Two: Structuring the Perfect 1 GW Framework Module Supply Agreement for 2025, we represented the role of an independent third-party auditor, contributing to a vibrant discussion on structuring risk-mitigated supply agreements. Dr. Stefano N. Granata, brought valuable perspectives on:
-R&D checks to ensure module innovations are field-ready.
-The importance of a robust BOM/CDF in defining material specifications, performance requirements, and quality standards to ensure the product meets project needs.
-Leveraging reference modules to verify adherence to specified standards and ensure the reliability of the products.
-Proactively addressing risks during the contracting stage to safeguard project outcomes from production through deployment.
A big thank-you to the other panelists for their insightful contributions from their roles as buyers and sellers, which really helped to ground the discussion and make it more practical.
Beyond the debate, the conference provided a fantastic platform to exchange views on trending topics in the European solar supply chain. We reconnected with clients and explored how STS can further support buyers in mitigating risks across the entire procurement lifecycle.
If you are interested in the insights we presented, or if you’d like to learn how our solutions can help navigate today’s industry challenges – feel free to reach out at sales@sts-certified.com.
See you all next year in Málaga!