Volunteer Non-Executive Director and Board Member
SE1 Solar is a not for profit Community Energy organisation operating in Southwark and Lambeth. We were established in 2023 by members of the South London community with the aim of installing solar panels on mixed‑tenure estates, finding innovative ways to sell the energy, and using profits to relieve fuel poverty for local people in need. We are set up as a Community Benefit Society, which means we are a business managed for the benefit of the community.
In 2024, we secured a total of £148,000 in grant funding from four funds (Government, Mayor of London, Southwark Council and Centrica Energy for Tomorrow) to run feasibility studies for solar arrays on four housing estates and to develop an innovative Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model. We also secured a fuel poverty alleviation contract from UK Power Networks (Leaving No One Behind) for £32,700 and, over the winter of 2024/2025 we launched our pilot fuel poverty programme, training three local residents to become energy advisors and employing a further two experienced energy advisors.
In the summer of 2025, we were awarded £151,900 of NCIL funding from Southwark Council to part‑fund the installation of solar panels on three of the four projects for which we’ve completed feasibility studies. We are currently in the pre‑installation phase for these three projects and we anticipate installation will happen in early‑mid 2026.
We’ve also received £15,000 from SCEF (Southwark Community Energy Fund) funding to do an off‑taking feasibility study for one of these buildings, looking at the possibility of installing a battery to store the energy generated for use at the optimum time of day and supplying the existing network heating system and/or nearby EV chargers.
We’re currently exploring different possible business models and working closely with an expert consultant and our legal team to develop a social virtual PPA model, making use of new exempt supply legislation. If we can make this work then we will be setting a precedent for a model for renewables on mixed‑tenure estates and long‑term financially sustainable fuel poverty alleviation.
At this exciting and pivotal time in our journey, we are looking to welcome a new board member to support our organisation by guiding us towards maximising returns from rooftop solar on housing estate roofs to fund fuel poverty work.
The Role
The SE1 Solar team is currently made up of a Treasurer and five other directors who are actively involved in our activities in line with their skills, two part‑time paid managers, a small group of dedicated volunteers and four energy advisors. We are looking for a non‑executive director ideally with expertise in areas such as solar, batteries, distribution networks, Balancing and Settlement Code and/or electrical engineering to work in collaboration with our other board members, and be supported by our two part‑time managers, in order to help us realise our aims. However, we’re open to anyone with a passion for solar PV projects who is willing to learn with us and pitch in as best suits their knowledge and abilities.
We estimate that the role will require an average of 1.5‑3 hours a week, including attendance at six board meetings a year which are held every other month on Tuesdays 1‑2.30pm, alternating between online and in‑person in SE1.
Desirable Qualities, Skills and Experience
* Experience of overseeing the development of solar PV projects
* Knowledge or experience of batteries, distribution networks, Balancing and Settlement Code and/or electrical engineering
* Interest in community energy and the just transition
* Willingness and ability to work as part of a team and build good relationships
* Experience of being on the board of a not‑for‑profit organisation
* Being a resident of or having a connection to South London
Deadline for applications is 30th January 2026.
To apply or for more information please contact:
07944555329
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