Solar Energy UK and RePower Ukraine
6 March 2025
RePower Ukraine has become Solar Energy UK’s first ever official charity.
The move responds to the fourth year of war and the depth of support for the Ukrainian people from the public and the solar sector from across Europe. It reinforces links that were formalised through the signing of a memorandum of understanding at Solar & Storage Live Birmingham last year.[1]
Further information on our plans for fundraising will follow in due course. We welcome suggestions from members.
RePower installs solar and battery energy storage systems on Ukrainian hospitals and other critical infrastructure. Over 2023-24, it successfully completed ten installations across five regions of Ukraine, enhancing energy resilience and supporting vital services.
It is also responding to shortage of skilled workers in Ukraine’s fast-growing solar industry by training new personnel, including veterans of the war with Russia.
One of RePower’s most recently-completed projects was a 33-kilowatt capacity photovoltaic system and 30 kilowatt-hour battery energy storage unit at Kyiv Regional Perinatal Center – providing energy independence and sustainability together. The installation provides power for the neonatal intensive care department even in the absence of external power and at night, ensuring the continuity of critical medical care. It was delivered with the support of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, GIZ Ukraine and the contributions from Menlo Electric, sun.store, JinkoSolar, and Sungrow.
Commercial-scale rooftop PV installer Photon Energy and major distributor Midsummer recently, both active members of Solar Energy UK, have donated equipment and recently raised almost £11,000 for a 36.5kW solar and battery system to provide emergency power at Slobozhanske Hospital near Kharkiv. The cash donations will cover the mounting system, cabling and the installation costs, all of which will be procured locally in Ukraine.
Photon Energy’s Managing Director Jonathan Bates said: “We are hoping that the system will be installed in May and I intend to visit the hospital in June to see the final installation, once it has been commissioned.”
Major donations have also come from Solar Energy UK members Midsummer and NextEnergy Capital. Gore Street Capital has also been a generous supporter.
“I have been overwhelmed by how our members have responded to our appeal for cash and equipment for Repower Ukraine. Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy system have been crippling, leaving homes and hospitals cold and in the dark. I urge all of our members to reach into their pockets, or consider donating unused equipment,” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK.
Aside from rooftop panels, cabling and inverters, RePower needs mobile battery energy storage systems of 5-25kW, kit for solar water pumps, solar power banks with foldable panels and mobile panels.
Nick Arnold, RePower Ukraine’s UK Ambassador, said: “We are delighted that Solar Energy UK has chosen RePower Ukraine as its official charity partner for 2025. With the current geopolitical landscape changing every day, Ukraine needs all the support we can give. The UK solar industry can play quite literally a life-saving role by helping Ukraine develop autonomous energy systems at critical locations like hospitals and medical centres. The energy network is constantly under attack and helping Ukraine generate its own power, particularly in hospitals and medical centres, is really vital. We hope that more Solar Energy UK members will help support our projects in 2025”.
Masha Matakova, Membership and Business Development Adviser at Solar Energy UK, said: “As a Ukrainian, I never thought I would live through a time when my country and city would be under attack, witnessing the destruction and annihilation of cities, lives, and livelihoods. Being from Kharkiv, where my family still lives, I have seen them endure prolonged periods without electricity, water, heating, or mobile phone service. The level of devastation is staggering, and I urge the solar industry to unite and support those facing adversity due to the Russian invasion.”
“I deeply appreciate everyone who helps, cares, and raises awareness of the urgent needs on the ground. I am proud of Solar Energy UK’s commitment to supporting Repower Ukraine in achieving its goals and providing essential aid to the most vulnerable,” she continued.
Слава Україні!
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Gareth Simkins
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