Solar Energy UK and Mayor of London
Immediate release
20/07/2021
Solar Energy UK and the Mayor of London have today launched a grant scheme to support solar businesses in London. The grant scheme forms part of Solar Skills London, a project to provide training and support for people who want to pursue a career in the solar industry.
The purpose of the grant scheme is to support London’s solar businesses to provide training for employees as part of their professional development.
Eligible solar companies and contractors working on domestic and commercial rooftop projects will be able to apply for up to £300 to help cover the cost of courses relating to solar technologies, including solar PV, solar thermal, energy storage and electric vehicles, and electrical health and safety training.
The grant scheme will have two application windows. The first window opens at midday on Tuesday 20 July, and will run until midday on Tuesday 10 August. The second round of the scheme will run over winter 2021-2022.
London’s solar capacity is growing, and the Mayor of London is targeting 1GW of solar deployment by the end of the decade [1]. This could provide enough power to run over half a million electric vehicles each year [2].
Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewett said: “This is an exciting opportunity for London’s solar businesses. The funding we are making available, with the support of the Mayor of London, will enable solar technicians to develop their skills.
“Solar power, energy storage systems and electric vehicles are vital to delivering a net zero capital. Now is the time to support the solar companies that are helping to realise London’s solar potential. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply for a grant.”
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Solar Energy UK to invest in London’s solar workforce. This programme will provide training and apprenticeships in solar technologies and help create more green jobs in the renewable energy sector. The Mayor has ambitious plans for solar energy in London which will support his target of reaching net zero carbon by 2030 and support green jobs for Londoners, a key part of his Green New Deal mission for London’s recovery.”
Full details of the grant scheme, including eligibility criteria and an application form, are available here. [3]
For more information on Solar Skills London, visit the project page. [4]
ENDS
Editor’s notes:
[1] Mayor of London – Solar Action Plan for London: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/solar_action_plan.pdf
[2] Based on a Renault Zoe covering an average 7,400 miles per year.
[3] Solar Energy UK – Solar Skills London grant scheme: https://solarenergyuk.org/resource/solar-skills-london-grants-scheme/
[4] Solar Energy UK – Solar Skills London: https://solarenergyuk.org/resource/solar-skills-london/
For further information or to request an interview, please contact:
Solar Energy UK
Name: Jack Dobson-Smith
Title: Strategic Communications Manager
Main line: 0203 637 2946
Mayor of London
Name: Zermina Toghey
Title: Senior Press Officer
Email: economicdesk@london.gov.uk