Canadian Solar becomes founding corporate member of Global Solar Council

As one of the largest solar power companies in the world, Canadian Solar Inc. announced that it is now a founding member of the Global Solar Council.

The Global Solar Council was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris last year. It aims to coordinate the efforts of the world’s solar energy associations.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Canadian Solar’s CEO and Chairman, shared his vision with the politicians and industry leaders who also attended the launch event. His two specific calls for action concerned kerosene usage and trade barriers:

First, as of today, there are 1.3 billion people around the world who still depend on kerosene for light. Solar lamps provide a clean solution to this global problem with significant health and economic benefits. They offer an emission-free pathway to electrification, which in turn can boost economic growth. Dr. Qu called the industry to recognize the solution solar can provide and join Canadian Solar in an estimated $20B effort to replace all kerosene lamps within the next ten years.

Second, the development and implementation of solar technology requires global efforts. Free flow of solar products, people and technology will help reduce the cost of global solar deployment, and therefore the cost of climate change action for every country. “Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more trade barriers between countries for solar products, hurting the industries that offer the best hope of reducing carbon emissions. To curb emissions in the most cost-effective way possible, global commitment to free trade is necessary”, as Dr. Qu emphasizes.

The Global Solar Council adopted these calls for action as part of their mission statement. They also launched its Leadership Forum last week aiming to “accelerate the deployment of clean, reliable, emission-free solar energy” worldwide. In the forthcoming months, all members will actively contribute to develop recommendations and engage with association members for mutual initiatives, with the first global meeting taking place at Intersolar Munich in June 2016.

Source: Canadian Solar