Bermuda’s solar energy companies say they have avoided equipment being linked to slave labour practices in China that are triggering supply bans in other countries.

The production of solar panels in China’s Xinjiang region has been linked to the alleged exploitation of Uighur Muslims, prompting some jurisdictions, including Britain and the United States, to work on enacting legislation.

The Government said it is monitoring developments in other countries including regulatory steps being taken.

A spokesman said: “At this time, the Government of Bermuda has not investigated the origins of the solar panels used locally. Neither does the Government have information indicating that local suppliers are linked to such practices.

“Nonetheless, the Government shares the broader international concern surrounding ethical labour practices in supply chains and will continue to observe developments in this space, including any regulatory steps taken by the UK and other jurisdictions.”

Ed Miliband, the British Energy Secretary, plans to amend legislation to ensure there is no slave labour in the supply chains of GB Energy, Britain's state-owned energy company.

In 2022, the US introduced the Uighur Forced Labour Protection Act. The news agency Reuters reported that US Customs and Border Protection seized more than 1,000 shipments of solar equipment in four months after the enactment of the law.

Research by Sheffield Hallam University in England says between 35 per cent and 40 per cent of polysilicon, the key raw material for solar panels, is produced in Xinjiang.

The Regulatory Authority oversees the electricity sector in Bermuda but said it does not oversee the solar panel supply chain or the installation industry.

A spokesman for the RA said: “The RA is not involved in matters related to labour practices, nor does it set targets for small-scale renewable energy adoption.

“Nonetheless, we support ethical business practices and remain committed to Bermuda’s renewable energy goals in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.”

The four main solar companies in Bermuda said they were aware of the unethical elements in supply to their industry and avoid products linked to them.

A spokeswoman for the BAC Group said the company supported all international efforts to uphold ethical sourcing standards and protect human rights in global supply chains.

“Our solar panels are sourced exclusively from US-based manufacturers who must comply with the Uighur Forced Labour Prevention Act — legislation that bans imports from companies unable to prove their products are free from links to forced labour, particularly in the Xinjiang region.

“This means that the panels we supply in Bermuda are already subject to some of the strictest scrutiny and traceability requirements in the world.

“We conduct our own due diligence to ensure our partners meet both regulatory and ethical expectations.”

A spokesman for BeSolar said the British amendment was an important step towards ensuring the integrity and sustainability of the renewable energy transition globally.

“BeSolar takes our ethical responsibilities seriously and has always placed great emphasis on sourcing products from manufacturers that align with our values of sustainability, transparency and human rights.”

BeSolar’s primary solar panel brand is Aptos Solar.

The spokesman added: “Based on the due diligence and declarations made by Aptos, their panels are not linked to forced labour or unethical sourcing practices.

“Aptos is committed to ethical business practices, requiring their suppliers to adhere to a strict supplier code of conduct, which includes zero tolerance for any form of exploitation or modern slavery.

“They also conduct due diligence assessments and publish a Modern Slavery Statement outlining their proactive approach to human rights in their operations and supply chains.

“We continuously assess our suppliers’ practices and would take swift action to change partners or products if credible concerns arose. Our commitment to ethical sourcing is non-negotiable.”

Greenlight Energy uses REC Group, a European solar brand that manufactures its products in Singapore and Norway where there are “demanding human rights laws” it abides by.

Cameron Smith, Greenlight’s managing director, said: “Ethical sourcing and transparency in our supply chains are fundamental principles, not just preferences.

“We exclusively install REC solar panels, renowned globally for their rigorous adherence to ethical manufacturing standards. REC has consistently maintained full transparency about its production processes, categorically ensuring no involvement with forced labour or unethical practices.

“We regularly receive competitive proposals from numerous manufacturers, including many from China. However, any potential savings are irrelevant if they compromise our core values.”

He added: “The Bermuda market is distinctively conscientious. Unlike larger markets such as the UK, where the diffusion of responsibility can occasionally lead to compromised procurement decisions … we proactively uphold these standards without needing government mandates.”

Stuart Kriendler, chief empowerment officer at Sunny Side Solar, confirmed that its panels were sourced from the US and were free from slave labour practices that stand as a concern to the company.

He said: “We are very proud that Sunny Side has always used US-manufactured solar panels. The environmental impact is very low because they have better regulations in the US and how they treat people is much better in the US with unionised labour, etc.”

Tim Madeiros, the owner and chief executive of Alternative Energy Systems (Bermuda) said his company was aware of the practice of slave labour but that its panels, sourced from the US, were not associated.