Company Directory - Qcells
Company Details - Qcells
CCI Score
CCI Score: Qcells
7.88
Latest Event
DOE grants $1.45 billion loan for Qcells solar panel production facility
Qcells secured a $1.45 billion DOE loan to support its new solar panel production facility in Georgia, boosting domestic manufacturing, job creation, and renewable energy leadership.
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OBJECTOR
Qcells is currently rated as an Objector.
Latest Events
- DEC202024
Qcells secured a $1.45 billion DOE loan to support its new solar panel production facility in Georgia, boosting domestic manufacturing, job creation, and renewable energy leadership.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
March 26
Qcells' receipt of a substantial DOE loan highlights its active participation in a government-supported initiative that promotes domestic energy independence and job creation. This engagement demonstrates strong public and political behavior aligned with democratic governance, countering trends toward authoritarian control by bolstering domestic industry and local communities.
DOE grants $1.45 billion loan for Qcells solar panel production facility
+70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
Qcells' investment of $2.8 billion into its manufacturing facility, along with contracting nearly 50% of construction work to local firms, illustrates strong ethical business practices. The company is demonstrating responsible stewardship by prioritizing local engagement and transparent operational strategies that support community development.
DOE grants $1.45 billion loan for Qcells solar panel production facility
+75
Technology and Services Impact
March 26
The expansion in solar manufacturing technology and integration of a complete supply chain evidences Qcells' commitment to advancing renewable energy tech. This investment supports clean energy technology that promotes sustainable practices, reducing reliance on oppressive fossil fuel regimes and contributing in a positive way to the technology and services landscape.
DOE grants $1.45 billion loan for Qcells solar panel production facility
+80
Economic and Structural Influence
March 26
The DOE loan significantly boosts Qcells' capacity to operate a large-scale domestic manufacturing facility. This initiative not only reinforces the U.S. economic structure by creating thousands of jobs and supporting local economies, but also insulates the nation from over-dependence on external powers, thereby strengthening democratic and economic resilience.
DOE grants $1.45 billion loan for Qcells solar panel production facility
- DEC192024
Qcells, a leading solar manufacturer, has received a $1.45 billion loan guarantee from the DOE's Loan Programs Office as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. The facility in Cartersville, GA promises to bolster domestic supply chains, create thousands of local jobs, and initiate robust community benefits, exemplifying a positive model of public-private collaboration and ethical business practices.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
March 26
Qcells' involvement in this project underscores positive Public and Political Behavior. The company’s participation in a government-backed initiative that emphasizes domestic manufacturing and robust community benefits demonstrates alignment with pro-democratic, transparent, and community-focused public policies rather than fostering corporate complicity in authoritarian practices.
+85
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
The project's robust Community Benefits Plan, commitment to local hiring, job training, and apprenticeships reflect strong business practices and ethical responsibility. Qcells is not only focused on manufacturing but is also dedicated to improving labor conditions and fostering community well-being.
+90
Technology and Services Impact
March 26
By advancing renewable energy production, Qcells contributes positively to the Technology and Services Impact category. The new, highly efficient solar manufacturing facility is set to significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance technological leadership in clean energy.
+85
Economic and Structural Influence
March 26
The project has a strong Economic and Structural Influence by reshoring production, strengthening domestic supply chains, and catalyzing significant job creation in local communities. This approach not only supports national economic interests but also contributes to a resilient and inclusive industrial base.
- NOV012024
An article from the Washington Examiner details how QCells, a major solar panel manufacturer, is linked to slave labor through its supply chain in China. The report raises serious concerns regarding QCells' labor practices and ethical sourcing, further aggravated by preferential government treatment through lucrative contracts and guarantees.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 26
QCells has been associated with human rights violations due to its involvement with suppliers that rely on slave labor. This strongly negative mark on labor relations and human rights practices reflects how the company’s supply chain contributes to systemic worker exploitation.
-75
Supply Chain Ethics
March 26
The company’s sourcing practices reveal serious ethical concerns. QCells benefits from a supply chain where key materials such as polysilicon are produced under slave labor conditions, compromising its commitment to ethical business practices.
-60
Economic Collaboration
March 26
QCells has received significant government support through contracts and loan guarantees, effectively subsidizing a company linked to unethical labor practices. This preferential treatment not only undermines ethical standards but also distorts fair market practices.
- SEP192024
Qcells, a major solar manufacturer, has significantly increased its lobbying efforts in the U.S., with expenditures rising from $900,000 in 2022 to $2.2 million in the first half of 2023. The company hired a former Tesla lobbyist as vice president of public policy and government affairs, and previously brought on a former aide to President Biden, signaling a deepening engagement in political and regulatory arenas that may promote policies favoring industry interests and potentially authoritarian outcomes.
-70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 26
Qcells has markedly escalated its political influence through lobbying, evidenced by a dramatic increase in expenditures following the IRA and the hiring of a high-profile ex-Tesla lobbyist known for managing government and congressional relations. This aggressive lobbying push reflects a willingness to invest in shaping policy outcomes that may align with authoritarian objectives, thus raising concerns from an anti-fascist perspective.
Hanwha Qcells hires ex-Tesla lobbyist amid U.S. lobbying push
-50
Executive Political Engagement
March 26
The strategic appointment of a former Tesla lobbyist to lead public policy and government affairs – along with previously hiring a former Biden aide – underscores a management decision to embed politically experienced figures in top executive roles. This form of executive political engagement raises red flags regarding the possible alignment with authoritarian policy trends by leveraging politically connected individuals to influence regulatory frameworks.
Hanwha Qcells hires ex-Tesla lobbyist amid U.S. lobbying push
- AUG092024
The US Department of Energy provided a US$1.45 billion loan to Qcells for its Cartersville facility, which supports domestic manufacturing, incorporates a Community Benefits Plan, and aligns with the Justice40 Initiative to support disadvantaged communities.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
March 26
Qcells received a significant DOE-backed loan that includes strict community engagement requirements under the Justice40 Initiative, demonstrating a proactive public and political behavior that supports community welfare and transparent public-private partnerships.
DOE backs Qcells with US$1.45 billion loan for Georgia manufacturing hub
+60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
The loan terms that require a Community Benefits Plan reflect Qcells' commitment to ethical business practices and social responsibility, as it aligns its operations with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative.
DOE backs Qcells with US$1.45 billion loan for Georgia manufacturing hub
+70
Technology and Services Impact
March 26
Qcells’ expansion of its manufacturing facility to produce larger-format wafer sizes represents a significant technological upgrade. This investment in advanced solar technology supports sustainable energy innovation and provides long-term benefits to the domestic market.
DOE backs Qcells with US$1.45 billion loan for Georgia manufacturing hub
+70
Economic and Structural Influence
March 26
The DOE loan facilitates the strengthening of domestic economic infrastructure by boosting local manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports. Qcells' expansion is strategically significant in reinforcing the US supply chain and promoting economic stability.
DOE backs Qcells with US$1.45 billion loan for Georgia manufacturing hub
- JUL122024
A Bloomberg report raised concerns that QCells, while benefiting from significant U.S. tax credits, has a problematic supply chain potentially linked to forced labor through its Chinese suppliers. Despite the company’s denial and efforts to enforce traceability, serious doubts remain about its supply chain ethics and overall business transparency.
-70
Supply Chain Ethics
March 26
QCells is under fire for its supply chain practices as allegations suggest that components may be sourced from suppliers connected to forced labor. Despite denying the use of Xinjiang-sourced polysilicon and taking remedial actions by removing non-compliant suppliers, independent researchers and critics have highlighted a high risk in its supply chain. The lack of full transparency and continued association with problematic suppliers contribute to a significantly negative score in supply chain ethics.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
While QCells has made efforts to comply with U.S. law through supplier affidavits and traceability inspections, the ongoing controversies—including allegations from researchers and criticism from policymakers regarding opaque supply chain disclosures and questionable benefits from U.S. tax credits—indicate lapses in overall business practices and ethical responsibility.
- JUL092024
The article details Qcells' involvement in forced labor supply chain controversies and significant lobbying efforts as it benefits from US tax credits amid strict labor scrutiny. Questions remain about the company’s ability to fully police its supply chain while engaging in influential political activities.
-50
Supply Chain Ethics
March 26
Qcells has been scrutinized for its supply chain practices after reports revealed sourcing of components from suppliers linked to forced labor in China. Despite claims of robust audits and compliance measures, reliance on such suppliers undermines ethical labor practices and raises serious human rights concerns.
Solar Firm Gets Millions in US Tax Credits Despite Chinese Labor Questions
-20
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 26
Qcells has demonstrated significant political engagement through its lobbying expenditures and the hiring of a former political staff member. These actions suggest a willingness to influence regulatory frameworks and secure favorable policies, which may undermine accountability and transparency in matters of labor and trade law enforcement.
Solar Firm Gets Millions in US Tax Credits Despite Chinese Labor Questions
- MAR012023
Qcells announced a $2.5B investment in new Georgia facilities to build out the US solar supply chain. The move, coupled with collaboration with U.S. senators on tax credit initiatives under the Inflation Reduction Act, supports domestic manufacturing, job creation, and ethical business practices.
+60
Public and Political Behavior
March 26
Qcells has demonstrated a positive role in shaping public policy by working with Georgia senators to craft tax credits aimed at revitalizing US solar manufacturing. This active political engagement supports democratic processes and counteracts authoritarian economic practices.
Qcells to invest $2.5B in building out US solar supply chain
+50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
The significant investment in domestic manufacturing indicates a commitment to ethical business practices, promoting job creation, improved labor conditions, and localized production that benefits communities and resists exploitative global supply chains.
Qcells to invest $2.5B in building out US solar supply chain
+40
Technology and Services Impact
March 26
The investment in advanced solar manufacturing technology supports the development of renewable energy solutions. This move enhances the technology impact by fostering innovations that promote sustainable practices and counter oppressive technological applications.
Qcells to invest $2.5B in building out US solar supply chain
+70
Economic and Structural Influence
March 26
By investing in domestic solar manufacturing and bolstering the US supply chain, Qcells is reducing dependency on foreign, potentially authoritarian sources for key materials. This enhances economic autonomy and structural resilience, which is crucial for resisting external authoritarian influences.
Qcells to invest $2.5B in building out US solar supply chain
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