Solar Panels in Scotland
Renewable energy has become popular in the last decade and solar panels are now the fastest growing energy source available to homeowners and businesses around the UK. With the potential to generate environmentally friendly energy, the Government has latched onto the idea of providing incentives for the installation of solar panels in Scotland.
For those thinking about solar panels in Scotland, it’s best to see what schemes and incentives there are available and how you could benefit.
Solar panel grants available in Scotland
Until 2010 there was a scheme available that allowed homeowners to receive a sum of money towards their solar panels installation. Successful applicants could receive 30% off the installation, worth up to £4,000. This was under the Energy Savings Scotland Home Renewables Grant.
This scheme is no longer available unfortunately, but the Government is still keen to support community grants for housing developments and businesses. Grants are worth up to £150,000 for solar schemes.
What other scheme are available?
Despite the domestic grants having seemingly expired, there are still opportunities to take advantage of for residents wanting to install solar panels in Scotland.
The Government is providing loans of up to £2,000 which on a first-come first-served basis. All loans are interest free and are only offered to those installing solar for a primary home. For more information, visit www.energysavingtrust.co.uk/scotland
The feed-in-tariff scheme
Grants in Scotland have been suspended, mainly due to the lucrative feed-in tariff scheme coming into power. The scheme is open to all homeowners and businesses installing solar PV systems and pays for every unit of renewable electricity generated.
The current rate of 15.44p/kWh will ensure a fantastic return of investment with a solar installation. This is paid for 20 years and is available for properties with an Energy Performance Certificate rating of at least a level D.
On top of this payment, there’s also the National Grid export. Solar panels in Scotland will only work when receiving natural daylight, so if you’re not home the environmentally friendly energy won’t be used in the home. But don’t worry as it’s not wasted. Instead it’s sold to the National Grid at a set rate of 4.5p/kWh, earning an added income.
Of course, both schemes are on top of the money saved on annual electricity bills. This means that annual return of investment rates can be between 10 and 15%. The cheaper your solar panel installation, the more you’ll get back every year.
What you need to be wary of though, is a company installing the solar panels for free. This is known as a rent-a-roof scheme and means you benefit from free electricity. However, this will probably see you without the feed-in tariff payments and these will be sent straight to the installation company.
For more information of how much solar panels cost see our complete guide for more information.
With the feed-in tariff replacing grants in Scotland, there’s now a greater opportunity to earn a profit from your solar panels. Why not compare quotes from solar panel companies in Scotland to get the best price available in your area.