NEWS
‘Electrician Plus’ concept launched by TESP
The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP) has introduced a new brand concept called “Electrician Plus.” This concept emphasises the essential role of qualified electricians in installing low-carbon and renewable technologies. To safely install technologies like solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle charging points (EVCP), a strong grasp of electrical scientific theory and principles, along with demonstrated occupational competence, is crucial. Qualified electricians possess the fundamental competence needed to advance their skills and receive training in these specific technologies. Once you have qualified as an electrician, all that is needed are top-up CPD and qualifications in specific new technologies, to enable safe, compliant and competent installations. Awarding bodies such as City & Guilds, EAL and BPEC have been leading the way in this area with their updated EVCP and solar qualifications, designed so that only electricians who meet the industry Level 3 standard can enrol on these courses, helping safeguard against non-qualified and under-qualified personnel undertaking renewable installations and the potential safety and fire risk this poses. More details at: www.electricalcareers.co.uk/electrician-plus
L-R: Reed Snyder, Principal at Verdane; Fredrika Svanholm, Senior Associate at Verdane and Kevin Maughan,Co-Founder and CEO of UrbanVolt.
Dublin firm secures €26m for solar expansion
Dublin’s UrbanVolt, the Solar- as-a-Service market leader, has announced a €26m investment from leading European specialist growth investor, Verdane. This significant investment means the company has raised over €200 million in debt and equity to date, and it will further power UrbanVolt’s rapid solar energy expansion in the Irish, UK and European markets. UrbanVolt helps business customers make a cost-effective transition to clean energy with their unique ‘Solar-as-a-Service’ business model. UrbanVolt’s model involves financing, installing, and maintaining
solar panels for customers, enabling the customer to buy solar-generated electricity at 40% lower cost than
an electricity provider’s rates. To ensure long-term stability,
UrbanVolt locks in its rate for up to 30 years, safeguarding customers against volatile energy costs and guaranteeing a stable supply of electricity for decades to come. Kevin Maughan, co-founder and CEO of UrbanVolt, said, “Securing this €26 million funding from Verdane marks a pivotal moment for UrbanVolt as we set our sights on an ambitious
European expansion.” www.urbanvolt.com
The Irish government has approved amendments to the existing Non-Domestic Microgeneration Scheme, operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to extend supports to a wider range of businesses and non-domestic applicants. This will be done through tiered grant supports for solar PV – for installation sizes greater than 6kWp up to 1,000kWp (1 MW) capacity. New funding ranges from €2,700 to €162,600 to support an even wider range of businesses to switch to solar. This will typically support 20-30% of the investment cost, reducing payback to as little as five years. The new Solar PV Scheme enhancements will boost business investment in renewable energy generation. The updated grants are as follows: Up to 6kWp will remain unchanged up to €2,400, with an additional: •€300/kWp for each extra kWp installed between 7kWp-20kWp •€200/kWp for each extra kWp installed between 21kWp-200kWp •€150/kWp for each extra kWp installed between 201kWp-1000kWp This would mean that installations up to 1MW could be eligible for a grant of up to €162,600. This grant is available to businesses, agricultural sector, public sector bodies, schools, community centres and non-profit societies. www.seai.ie Grants of up to €162,000 available for non-domestic Solar PV systems
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