Picture by Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street

Cobolt Blue is built on the core values of truly sustainable green energy.

But what does this mean? We believe in giving you the power to choose renewable solutions that break free from reliance on fossil fuels and unethical labour practices.

So, in this blog we are going to explore what makes solar panels properly ethical and sustainable and what the current state of play is in the UK solar energy sector. 

The new publicly owned and government run UK energy company, Great British Energy, has been in the news a lot recently and its been reported in the news this week that the UK Government are looking to introduce a ban on GBE using any solar panels that are linked to Chinese forced labour. 

In the last 2 years there have been several high profile instances of large British business and government bodies, particularly Scottish Power and the MOD, using solar equipment directly linked to ‘slave’ labour in China and everyone at Cobolt Blue Energy agrees, its time for a change. 

Currently China not only dominates the world solar industry (Over 80% of the total industry) but they also produce 40% of all polysilicon, the key raw material used in producing solar panels, in factories based in the Xinjiang region. And whilst Chinese production has seen a huge reduction in the cost of solar energy technology it is not without ethical consequences. 

The region of Xinjiang is home to the Muslim Uygur population who have been subject to programs of ‘re-education’ and in turn forced labour, many of whom are being forced to work in the solar power industry.

Labour MP Sarah Champion, who has been at the forefront of making this change in GBE policy said “This is the only way to make sure our transition to net zero is not carried through on the backs of slavery and exploitation.”

Whilst The Times headline was suggesting that this change in direction would be putting about 40% of Britain’s solar industry at risk, at Cobolt Blue Energy we are very pleased with the decision, as there are plenty of high quality alternatives that don’t rely on China.

We only partner with manufacturers that use 100% ethical practices in the production of their equipment.

One of the key reasons we started Cobolt Blue Energy, was not only to give our customers access to cleaner, more sustainable energy, but to find supply chains and products that don’t rely on horrendous and unethical labour practices.

But…that isn’t the only issue with green energy solutions being produced in China. 

China is also the world’s biggest producer (and consumer) of coal. So the solar panels that the majority of consumers use are using are creating a vast amount of harmful greenhouse gasses. 

Now the question is how can that work? If we are truly trying to achieve a greener and more sustainable future for the planet why are the majority of green energy products still being manufactured using fossil fuels? 

At Cobolt Blue Energy we firmly believe that it can’t! 

When you choose to go with our carefully curated selection of green energy products, not only are you helping bring an end to unethical labour practices, but you’re also choosing solutions that are genuinely clean from creation to installation. 

At Cobolt Blue Energy, sustainability isn’t just about the energy your system produces, it’s about how that system is made, the materials used, and the impact it has on both people and the planet.

We believe the transition to renewable energy should never come at the cost of human rights or increased carbon emissions through dirty manufacturing processes. That’s why we partner exclusively with manufacturers who share our commitment to ethical sourcing, renewable-powered production, and transparent supply chains.

The choices we make today shape the future we leave behind. By choosing truly sustainable solutions, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint, you’re supporting a global shift towards responsible, ethical energy.

If you’re ready to be part of that change, we’re here to give you the power.