Industry Assocations
As a world-leading PV module manufacturer and system developer, First Solar understands that industry associations and initiatives are important to achieving a sustainable energy future—the basis of First Solar’s clean, affordable, energy mission. In this spirit, we would like to call out the following associations and initiatives of which First Solar is either a member or a supporter.
SEIA — Solar Energy Industry Association
Established in 1974, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the solar energy industry. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works to make solar a mainstream and significant energy source by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy.
EPIA — European Photovoltaic Industry Association
With over 230 Members drawn from across the entire solar photovoltaic (PV) sector, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association is the world’s largest photovoltaic industry association. EPIA Members are present throughout the whole value-chain: from silicon, cells and module production to systems development and PV electricity generation as well as marketing and sales. EPIA’s mission is to deliver a distinct and valuable service driven from the strength of a single photovoltaic voice.
SEPA — Solar Electric Power Association
The Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) is your unbiased non-profit resource for information about solar technologies, policies, and programs. SEPA focuses on working with electric utilities, but provides value to all businesses that have an interest in solar energy.
CALSEIA — California Solar Energy Industries Association
California Solar Energy Industries Association supports the widespread adoption of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems by educating consumers, supporting solar legislation and conducting business in a professional and ethical manner.
Thin Film Solar Alliance
Thin Film Solar Alliance
The Thin Film Solar Alliance educates on the significant contribution of advanced, thin-film photovoltaic solar technology to the global energy supply. Thin-film PV’s unique combination of economic and environmental characteristics makes it the preferred choice for many solar power applications. Competitive costs of manufacturing and ownership, outstanding field performance and environmental leadership across the value chain point the way to a sustainable solar future.
PV Cycle
PV CYCLE was founded in July 2007 to implement the photovoltaic industry’s commitment to set up a voluntary take back and recycling programme for end-of-life-modules and to take responsibility for PV modules throughout their entire value chain. Through PV Cycle, the photovoltaic industry wants to install an overall waste management and recycling policy which achieves the highest economically feasible and environmentally responsible collection and recycling of PV modules.
Dii — Desertec Industrial Initiative
Dii is a unique private industry joint venture that was launched as the 'Desertec Industrial Initiative' in July 2009. We aim at creating the conditions for an accelerated implementation of the Desertec concept in EUMENA. Our joint venture was founded under German law as a GmbH (limited liability company) in Munich on 30 October 2009.
TechAmerica
Established in 1990 in Brussels, TechAmerica Europe focuses on managing issues surrounding environment, regulatory standards, security policy and the impact of EU policies on transatlantic trade, investments, jobs, research, education and community affairs throughout Europe. Members employ over 500,000 people in Europe, active throughout the high technology spectrum, from software, semiconductors and computers to Internet technology, advanced electronics and telecommunications systems and services.
AmChamEU — American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union
AmCham EU speaks for American companies committed to Europe on trade, investment and competitiveness issues. It aims to ensure a growth-orientated business and investment climate in Europe. AmCham EU facilitates the resolution of transatlantic issues that impact business and plays a role in creating better understanding of EU and US positions on business matters. Aggregate U.S. investment in Europe totalled €1.4 trillion in 2009 and currently supports more than 4.5 million jobs in Europe.
Your Sun Your Energy
Your Sun Your Energy is a campaign to promote the ways in which photovoltaic technology (PV) can help us reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and strengthen energy security with clean, green, affordable solar energy. A one-stop-shop and online platform where you will be able to find and share extensive information on how photovoltaic solar electricity can improve your life.
EUFORES — The European Forum for Renewable Energy Sources
EUFORES is a European cross-party network of Members of Parliaments from the European Parliament as well as from the EU27 national and regional Parliaments. EUFORES' core objective is the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency. EUFORES is supported by a variety of non-parliamentary members from the renewable energy industry, scientific institutes, energy agencies and NGOs - all strongly committed to renewable energy and energy efficiency.
BSW — German Solar Industry Association
Forming a strong community of companies, BSW-Solar acts as an informant and intermediary between business and the political and public sectors. It represents the common commercial interests of businesses within the solar energy value chain. Our objective is to establish solar energy as a permanent pillar of a global energy industry.
Photovoltaic Austria Federal Association
Photovoltaic Austria represents the interests of the photovoltaic industry in Austria. The association is not profit oriented, and acts as an apprentice and non-partisan. The main objective is to improve the framework conditions for photovoltaics in Austria.
ASIF — Photovoltaic Industry Association
The Photovoltaic Industry Association (ASIF) is a private non-profit organization that was born on April 17, 1998. Its main objective is to empower, prestige and develop the photovoltaic industry, providing expertise and experience to the Spanish market and policy makers at both state and regional and local levels.
Foretica
Forética is the association of businesses and professionals leading Spain’s RSE. It has the mission to promote the culture of management ethics and social responsibility, endowing organizations with knowledge and useful tools to successfully develop a model of sustainable and competitive business.
Assolare — Italian National Photovoltaic Industry Association
This Association is internationally recognised as an authoritative counterparty in discussing all measures to be enacted and represents the requirements of the photovoltaic sectors vis-à-vis all parties and institutions involved. Assosolare is committed towards the creation of national and local legislation, encouraging the development of the photovoltaic market in line with the existing legislation in other European countries.
APPA — Association of Renewable Energy Producers
The member companies in APPA represent the fields of biofuels, biomass, wind, photovoltaic, high enthalpy geothermal and low enthalpy geothermal, hydro, ocean, small wind and solar thermal. APPA is represented on the Electricity Consultative Council of the National Energy Commission and is part of the Committee of Managers of the Spanish Electricity Market, the EREN, and other agencies.
DGS — International Solar Energy Society, German Section
The German Association for Solar Energy (DGS) was founded in 1975 and is the German section of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES). With over 3000 members, the DGS is the technical-scientific association for renewable energy and energy efficiency in Germany.
Solar Region Berlin-Brandenburg
The solar region Berlin-Brandenburg supports the energy policies of the states of Berlin and Brandenburg and promotes the integration of industry, science and administration. Other goals involve securing skilled workers, collaboration of knowledge, and the promotion of regional value.
BPVA — British Photovoltaic Association
The British Photovoltaic Association is the UK’s industry trade association dedicated to photovoltaic energy. The BPVA provides a credible and representative platform for the entire PV industry. Our mission is to ensure that photovoltaic energy establishes itself as the leading renewable energy source in the UK, providing significant environmental and monetary benefits. The association is promoting solar PV at National level and assists its overseas members in their business development in the UK. Our goal is to increase public awareness of the technology and the benefits of solar as well as stimulating growth in the infrastructure and technologies behind PV.
STA — The Solar Trade Association
The Solar Trade Association — Promoting Solar Energy in the UK. The STA represents the interests of its member companies, made up of Solar Electricity (PV) and Solar Thermal (solar hot water) companies. Working to promote the uptake of solar technologies in domestic, commercial and industrial applications throughout the UK.
CEC — Clean Energy Council
The Clean Energy Council is the peak body representing Australia’s clean energy sector. It is an industry association made up of more than 440 member companies operating in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The CEC’s members are involved in the development or deployment of clean energy technologies such as bioenergy, cogeneration, energy efficiency, geothermal, hydro, solar, solar hot water, wave and tidal and wind.