The US Energy Department is investing $12 million (£7.56m) to train workers for the solar sector.

The ‘Solar Ready Vets’ programme will develop a solar support workforce which aims to train 75,000 workers by 2020.

The loan is part of a $32 million (£20.16m) fund from the ‘SunShot Initiative’ to make solar energy affordable and accessible to consumers.

It will also provide $15 million (£9.45m) for innovative solutions to reduce the cost of the ‘solar collector field’, which is the most expensive element of a solar plant – comprising up to 40% of the total system cost, the department states.

Finally, $5 million (£3.15) will be used to fund solar projects with the aim to increase market transparency and fair pricing.

Deputy Energy Secretary Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall said: “To ensure the continued growth of the US solar industry and our clean energy economy, it is critical that we support workforce training programs that will give American workers the skills they need for well-paying jobs and also make sure American consumers have access to highly-trained, credentialed professionals when they choose solar to power their daily lives.”