Orkney has come top as the area in the UK where there are the highest number of households with renewable energy installations.

Orkney has the largest UK uptake of certified renewable energy installations per household, like solar PV and heat pumps, at 28.77%, with the Western Isles not far behind on 25.71%. There are currently only four local authorities in the UK with an uptake of more than 20%, with Welsh regions Ceredigion and Anglesey joining the Scottish island regions.

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) sets, defines and maintains the Standards for low-carbon energy technology products, contractors and their installations. This includes heat pumps, solar, biomass, small wind and battery storage.

Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, said:

“Homes are responsible for around 15% of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions, so small-scale renewables have a crucial role to play in reducing emissions and contributing to the achievement of key environmental targets.

“Our data shows that Scotland is making good progress compared to other UK nations – 8.47% of households now having a certified renewable technology installation, putting it second behind only Wales.”

Commenting on the announcement by the Scottish Government last week that it had removed its target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030, Ian Rippon said:

“However, this announcement risks denting confidence in the drive to net-zero, so we must continue promoting the benefits of small-scale renewables while acknowledging that they alone are not enough to meet key targets. As consumer demand for renewables continues to grow, we need to ensure that homeowners have access to certified low-carbon systems such as heat pumps and solar panels.”

In Scotland 87.9% of electricity generation was from zero or low carbon sources in 2022.

 Net Zero Secretary in the Scottish Parliament Màiri McAllan said:

“The race to net zero is one that we must all win and I want to begin by affirming this Government’s unwavering commitment to ending our contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest, as agreed by Parliament on a cross-party basis.

Addressing MSPs Mairi McAllan said that “severe budgetary restrictions imposed by the UK Government and under the continuing constraints of devolution” was making it very difficult to deliver the package of changes required to meet Scotland’s net zero targets. She said that due to these budgetary challenges that the  2030 target “is out of reach. We must now act to chart a course to 2045 at a pace and scale that is feasible, fair and just.”

Energy Saving Funding Support in Scotland

• boilers and heating systems
• draught proofing
• insulation including:
  • cavity wall
  • floor
  • solid wall
  • roof
• solar panels and other renewable energy
• windows – to replace single glazing but not double glazing

How to apply

You apply through Home Energy Scotland. They’re funded by the Scottish Government.

You can either:

• phone: 0808 808 2282 – Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm
• complete a contact form (someone will phone you back)

Talking to Home Energy Scotland

When you talk to Home Energy Scotland they’ll ask questions about you and your home. This is to check everything you could qualify for. 

Home Energy Scotland grant and loan

You could get:

• a grant for up to £7,500 each to install:
  • energy efficiency improvements
  • zero emission heating improvements
• an optional £7,500 interest free loan

Rural households

You can claim increased grants of up to £9,000 if you live in a rural area.

If you’re unsure, Home Energy Scotland can confirm if you’re a rural household when you call.

Who can apply

You need to be a homeowner.

Building your own home

You can apply for a loan for renewable energy systems but not for energy saving improvements.

Private landlords

You cannot apply if you’re a private landlord. But you could apply for the Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan.

Before you apply

• you cannot carry out the work before you have a loan offer in writing
• you need quotes from installers to complete the application process (you can start the application process and add these later)
• you need to use certain approved installers

Get information on choosing approved installers on the Home Energy Scotland website.

The adviser will tell you about improvements that could make your home cheaper to heat and keep warm. They’ll also tell you about funding you could get.

Warmer Homes Scotland scheme (grant)

The Warmer Home Scotland scheme offers funding and support to households struggling to stay warm and keep on top of energy bills.

Home Energy Scotland will check what support you’re eligible for. They’ll then make a referral to Warmworks, who delivers the programme. You can find out more information on the Home Energy Scotland website.

Other funding you could get

You could get other funding depending on where you live. 

Check funding by your postcode on the Home Energy Scotland website. 

More help with home energy

Contact Home Energy Scotland if you:

• are unsure if you qualify for funding
• want energy saving advice

Home Energy Scotland website

Phone: 0808 808 2282

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Fiona Grahame