The project has five objectives:
The development of a solar PV learner curriculum
A series of introductory workshops for potential new solar industry trainees
The creation of a placement programme for trainees with London solar businesses
The publication of an online solar training and careers hub for the Capital
A grants scheme to help London’s solar businesses provide training for their employees
The main aim is to support London’s contribution to clean energy in the UK, with the Mayor targeting 1GW of solar deployment by the end of the decade. This could provide enough power to run over half a million electric vehicles annually. New solutions have also been developed to make planning solar energy projects easier, including the London Solar Opportunity Map.
Solar Energy UK and the Mayor of London are to work with a variety of industry and training partners on the project.
“We are delighted to launch this project with the Mayor of London” said Solar Energy UK Chief Executive Chris Hewett. “Solar power is clean, affordable and straightforward to deploy. This project will help equip the next generation of skilled solar technicians and boost London’s hopes of delivering a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.”
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, added that the 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” Ms Rodrigues said.
Solar Energy UK is calling on the government to enable the deployment of 40 GW of solar energy in the UK by 2030, triple today’s levels. This is in line with independent analysis by the Climate Change Committee of the UK’s solar needs if it is to have a carbon net zero economy by 2050.
14 GW of solar power has been deployed to date across all market sectors in the UK, and there is at least 17 GW in the pipeline as of May 2021.
London is already host to innovative solar projects, which include Hackney Light and Power, a company launched by Hackney Council to provide renewable energy services, and Solar Together, the pioneering group-buying scheme which has seen wide take-up in the capital.
Solar Skills London will respond to the need identified by Solar Energy UK members in a recent ECA survey for more skilled electrical workers to join the solar industry.
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