London Mayor Boris Johnson is being urged to “strongly consider” funding a group to deploy community energy schemes across the capital.

London Assembly Members, an elected watchdog for the capital which scrutinises the Mayor’s plans and programmes and has the power to amend his annual budget, voted in favour of a ‘Solar Delivery Unit’.

It would be in charge of installing solar panels at London’s schools and the Greater London Authority (GLA) Group’s own estate.

The motion – agreed by 13 votes for to 12 against – calls on Boris Johnson to revise his £17 billion draft budget for 2015/16 and provide funding for the proposed unit.

Jenny Jones AM, who proposed the motion said: “By helping London schools, communities and businesses cut through the barriers and get them harvesting solar electricity from their underused and empty roof tops, they will help save money on energy. It will also accelerate the urgent need to switch to clean renewable energy.”

The Assembly welcomed the UK Government’s target to install solar panels in 24,000 schools.

ELN has contacted the Mayor’s press office for a comment.