Households in Caithness could benefit from solar panel funding scheme

CAITHNESS residents and others in the Highlands could get up to 100 per cent funding to install solar panels and battery storage in their homes.

The offer is part of the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme, which aims to improve the energy efficiency of properties in the Highland area and is operating on a first-come, first-served basis. It will close once all the funds have been allocated

Energy company, E.ON is working with The Highland Council and the Scottish Government on the project.

A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: "By installing solar panels on their homes, residents will be able to generate their own clean energy, helping them to save money on their annual electricity bill and helping them become more sustainable and independent from the grid.

"The battery stores any excess electricity that has been generated but not used during the day, allowing homeowners to use it as and when they need it during the night.

"To benefit from the full funding available, residents must currently heat their homes using electricity and meet the eligibility criteria. They do not need to be an E.ON energy customer to apply."

As part of the scheme in the Highlands, eligible residents could also benefit from up to 100 per cent funding towards the cost of installing a first-time central heating system delivered through the installation of an air source heat pump to their property, as well as free cavity wall and loft insulation, and funding towards external wall insulation.

Councillor Trish Robertson, the chairwoman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee and the climate change working group, said: "This is an opportunity for Highland homeowners and private rented households to receive significant Scottish Government grant funding towards the installation cost of solar PV and battery storage. I encourage people to check if they are eligible for this offer, which could help reduce fuel bills and support the Council’s long term objective of becoming a carbon neutral region by 2025."

Nigel Dewbery, residential solutions director at E.ON, said: "We’re committed to improving the energy efficiency of the housing across the UK to help towards meeting the UK’s net-zero targets. By working with The Highlands Council and the Scottish Government to offer local Highland residents smarter, more sustainable technologies to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, we’re further demonstrating our commitments in this area."

For eligibility criteria and further information call E.ON on 08000 987 897.

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