SolarWorld gets an 'A' from toxics coalition

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The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalitions found improvement in the eco-consciousness of the solar industry in 2011.

The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition released its second annual Solar Scorecard and gave SolarWorld this year's highest rating, a score of 91 out of 100.

SolarWorld, which employs 1,000 people in Hillsboro at its largest manufacturing facility in North America, received high marks for recycling and worker health and safety as well as an improving score for its use and handling of toxic chemicals and its public disclosure statements.

SolarWorld received a score of 88 out of 100 on last year's scorecard.

SoloPower, the San Jose company with plans to build a factory in Wilsonville, received a score of 71.

In all, 46.6 percent of the industry participated in the coalition's survey, a doubling of last year's participation.

Among survey respondents, 70 percent said they would support mandatory recycling of solar panels.

In its coverage of the scorecard report, Fast Company points out there is still work to be done. Only two solar manufacturers — SunPower (score: 85) and AXITEC (score: 64) — have fully eliminated toxic lead and cadmium from their supply chains.

SunPower is based in San Jose and has a Northwest office in Portland.

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