'Solar Citizen Exploration Team' Launches Full-Scale Activities This Year... 30 Members Selected, Activities Begin on the 8th

Discovering Solar Power Sites in Homes, Commercial Buildings, Parking Lots, and Public Facilities
Strengthening Work Competence and Establishing Cooperation with Energy Designers for a 'One-Stop' Process from Planning to Solar Installation

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 7th, Seoul City announced that the ‘Solar Citizen Exploration Team,’ which plays a role in discovering solar power sites throughout daily life to expand the supply of renewable energy as a response to the climate crisis, has begun full-scale activities this year. The Solar Citizen Exploration Team, created as a Green New Deal job last year, selected 30 members for the second term this year and started searching and discovering sites suitable for solar power generation from the 8th.

Seoul City explained that through the process of discovering solar power sites, the exploration team also plays a role in informing citizens about the necessity of solar power, the optimal renewable energy source in urban areas. The purpose is to increase public consensus on the environmental and economic value of solar power generation and enhance residents' acceptance.

The exploration team plans to strengthen its work capabilities further this year following last year, actively discovering sites and promptly proceeding with subsequent procedures to lead to the actual installation of solar power facilities. In particular, from this year, cooperation with energy designers who conduct energy consulting for small and medium-sized buildings such as schools and welfare facilities is expected to give a significant boost to the discovery of solar power sites.

Exploration team members visit sites such as building rooftops and parking lots to investigate the feasibility of solar power installation and perform various tasks including interviewing managers or owners to provide consultation and guidance on the necessity of installation, installation support systems, cost savings, and installation procedures. The operation period of the exploration team this year is from March to December. The target for discovery includes all facilities in Seoul City, encompassing private facilities such as residences, commercial buildings, parking lots, traditional markets, and public facilities such as buildings and infrastructure.

Previously, from July to December last year, the first-term exploration team members conducted field surveys at over 2,500 sites in both private and public sectors and discovered 131 sites suitable for solar power installation, including apartment complexes, commercial buildings, traditional markets, and public infrastructure. The discovered sites will promote solar power installation this year through various business methods. Additionally, based on diverse job performances and field experience, 6 out of 30 Solar Citizen Exploration Team members (20%) from 2020 successfully found employment in the private sector.

This year, Seoul City plans to focus on promoting rental projects and loan systems to reduce the installation burden on owners, enabling rapid solar power installation. If owners wish to install solar power, Seoul City will immediately dispatch specialized companies to provide installation information such as estimates, ensuring practical installations are carried out.

Kim Ho-seong, Director of the Green Energy Division of Seoul City, said, “In the prolonged COVID-19 situation, the importance of the Green New Deal, which is connected to environmental response, job creation, and economic revitalization, is growing even more,” and added, “We ask for the active interest of citizens and participation in the installation of solar power facilities through the Solar Citizen Exploration Team to contribute to energy transition and greenhouse gas reduction.”