MCS is working with Solar Energy UK and the mayor of London’s office to deliver their joint project, Solar Skills London. The project is offering £1,000 to newly-certified London Solar PV installers.
According to business representatives, the project aims to grow the capital’s solar sector by creating career pathways for the next generation of solar experts, increasing the number of registered solar installer businesses in London and helping create more green jobs. The project is also working to support increased diversity in the solar sector and help underrepresented groups in the renewables industry to start or grow their businesses and careers in solar.
In the current phase of the project, MCS is working to develop the solar supply chain in London by increasing the number of businesses certified as solar PV installers in Greater London. MCS leaders have said their aim is to increase the number of certified solar installers in London by 50% by the end of the project.
This means that the initial cost of certification is set to be removed to help businesses enter the London solar sector. The mayor of London will be refunding £1,000 in costs to businesses that become certified before 31 March 2023. The grant of £1,000 is set to be paid directly into the eligible company’s bank account when they are successfully registered on the MCS Installation Database.
The project has already seen several contractors complete the certification process and receive their grants and there are more businesses currently undergoing certification.
Shirley Rodrigues, deputy mayor for energy and environment, said: ”The Solar Skills London project plays a vital role in increasing London’s solar capacity and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels as we work towards our ambitious target of London being net-zero by 2030.
“Projects like this also boost our green economy and accelerate our efforts in cleaning London’s air as we build a greener and better London for everyone.”
Dan White, MCS’ market development director, added: “We have seen the number of certified solar PV installations grow continuously in recent years, with the total UK numbers in 2022 more than doubling those in 2021.
“With growing interest in domestic solar during the cost-of-living crisis and the industry support from the Mayor’s Solar Action Plan, there has never been a better time to become a certified solar contractor in London and grow your future green career.”