Non-Toxic Solar Alliance e.V.

The Non-Toxic Solar Alliance e.V. (NTSA) is a privately backed, not-for-profit initiative registered in Berlin. Its founders and supporters are scientists, researchers, solar industry representatives and members of the civil society concerned about the use of potentially toxic substances in the production of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and the long-term safety of consumers and the environment. We are strong supporters of the solar industry and believe renewable energies should play the key role in overcoming the energy and climate challenges of the 21st century.

While NTSA was created with a long-term perspective, its current main project is to work with Members of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission to reach an open scope application of the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment 2002/95/EC (RoHS), currently under review. The Directive would ban toxic substances such as Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium or the flame-retardants PBB and PBDE in electrical and electronic equipment products throughout the European Union. However, attempts are currently being made to reach an exclusion from this important environmental directive for the PV industry.

NTSA advocates against such an exclusion, because solar is one of the leading green technologies and should be at the forefront of green regulation. Citizens and consumers need certainty that millions of PV modules that will be installed on our roofs and lands over the next decades do not contain any substances that might prove a liability in the future. This is not an argument against any specific PV technology. However, compliance with RoHS is a requirement for every household appliance and should also be observed by the solar industry. In fact, the industry should set green standards by committing itself not to use any toxic substances in their products.

None declared

No lobbyists with EP accreditations

None declared

None declared

Mr Jan Kallmorgen (Chairman)

III - Non-governmental organisations

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