Community Renewables Development Officer

Help build South East London’s renewable energy future

South East London Community Energy (SELCE) is looking for a Community Renewable Energy Project Developer to help deliver one of London’s most exciting community-owned renewable energy programmes.

Working alongside our experienced Renewable Energy Projects Manager and CEO, you will develop community-owned solar projects from initial feasibility through to installation. As your experience grows, you will progressively take ownership of your own projects, developing technical, commercial and stakeholder management skills. Unlike many commercial renewable energy roles, this position provides exposure to the complete project lifecycle, combining technical design, commercial analysis, stakeholder engagement, funding development, planning, procurement and project delivery.

You’ll work with schools, charities, leisure centres, faith organisations and businesses, helping them reduce energy costs and carbon emissions while generating long-term income that funds action on fuel poverty.

We’re looking for someone who already has a solid grounding in commercial solar and wants to expand their skills across the full project development lifecycle while making a tangible difference to local communities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development

• Identify and assess potential community solar host sites.
• Undertake desktop feasibility studies and site surveys.
• Procure structural surveys, grid connection studies and planning consultants.
• Apply for grants and development funding.
• Progress projects through planning, legal agreements and delivery.

Solar Design & Commercial Analysis

• Design commercial rooftop solar PV systems using OpenSolar, PVSol or similar software.
• Optimise systems to maximise generation and on-site self-consumption.
• Use SELCE’s financial model to assess project viability and electricity pricing.
• Prepare technical and commercial proposals.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build trusted relationships with host organisations.
• Explain SELCE’s community-owned financing model.
• Guide organisations through the project development process.
• Respond to technical and commercial enquiries.

Project Delivery

• Support procurement of installation contractors.
• Support installation delivery alongside the Renewable Energy Projects Manager.
• Assist with leases and Power Purchase Agreements.

Community Engagement

• Represent SELCE at community events.
• Promote community-owned renewable energy.
• Support community investment campaigns.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience designing commercial rooftop solar PV systems using OpenSolar, PVSol, SolarEdge Designer or similar software, with confidence learning new packages.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and analytical skills.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Understanding of the commercial aspects of solar PV and associated revenue streams.
• Proactive, self-motivated and enthusiastic about community energy.

Desirable

• Experience supporting delivery of commercial rooftop solar projects.
• Experience through employment, internships or university projects involving commercial solar PV.
• Experience securing grant funding.
• Experience supervising volunteers.
• Experience managing project teams.
• Experience in the community energy sector.
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• 20 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
• 4% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Ongoing professional development and mentoring
• Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) for agreed evening and weekend work
• The opportunity to help shape one of the UK’s leading community energy organisations

About SELCE

South East London Community Energy (SELCE) is an award-winning, member-owned energy cooperative working to create a fair and just energy transition. We believe everyone should benefit from the transition to renewable energy.

Through our innovative community financing model, local people invest in renewable energy projects that benefit their communities. SELCE currently owns and operates over 550 kWp of solar PV across 12 sites throughout South East London and will install a further 600 kWp this summer, with additional projects already in development.

Our work has received national recognition, including Community Energy Project at the British Renewable Energy Awards 2026, Renewable Energy Association Community Energy Project of the Year 2019 and Community Energy Social Impact Award 2019.

Why join SELCE?

You’ll be joining one of the UK’s leading community energy organisations at an exciting period of growth. Every project you help deliver will reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs for schools, charities and community organisations, and generate long-term funding that supports households experiencing fuel poverty.

As a small, ambitious organisation, SELCE offers the opportunity to work directly with senior decision-makers, develop projects from concept to installation and build a unique combination of technical, commercial and people skills.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

SELCE values diversity and is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people currently underrepresented within the renewable energy sector.

For an informal discussion please contact:
Daniel Beaton, Renewable Projects Manager at [email protected]