The solar industry in Scotland has urged the Scottish Government to restore access to interest-free loans for residential solar power and battery energy storage systems ahead of the upcoming budget on 4th December.
Solar Energy Scotland (SES) has highlighted that reinstating this financial support is crucial for accelerating the delivery of low carbon homes.
Scotland has made significant progress in promoting home energy efficiency, particularly through the Home Energy Scotland initiative.
However, the recent removal of interest-free loans for solar and energy storage in June has hindered these efforts, according to SES.
In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, SES chair Josh King acknowledged the budgetary pressures facing the government but emphasised the need for solar and storage technologies, which provide immediate energy savings for households.
SES chair Josh King said: “We fully understand the budgetary pressures faced by the Scottish Government and acknowledge that grant funding has been refocused on decarbonising heat through measures such as heat pumps.
“However, solar and storage technologies are unique in their ability to offer quick, tangible energy savings for households.
“Solar and battery technologies are mature, proven and easily understood by consumers, making them ideal for government-supported loans, rather than cost-constrained grants.”
