The Brighton Energy Co-operative has announced the launch of an EU-funded Community Solar Accelerator project that offers grants to promote community solar in small and medium enterprises up to 30 June 2023.
The funds come by way of the EU’s European Regional Development Fund, which continues following the Brexit agreement, as the UK government has agreed authorities will continue to manage ERDF grants.
Enabling small businesses to reduce carbon emissions, the project will provide match-funded grants of up to £25,000 towards either solar PV arrays or solar PV arrays and electric vehicle charging points, according to a 22 October statement.
Eligible SMEs employ 250 or fewer full-time employees; have an annual turnover of £44 million and below and an annual balance sheet of £38 million and less; and have not received more than approximately £180,000 in state aid in the past three years. If another firm owns over a quarter of the organisation, it must also meet the same criteria.
The grants will cover up to 40% of the total eligible project costs and will be paid once the work is finished and paid for. The remaining 60% match-funding will come from the SME whilst loans, investments, savings and company reserves can also be used.
The grants are mainly available for those operating within the Coast to Capital region but those coming from more-developed areas around England are eligible to apply.
