Although England had three times
more installations than Scotland’s 31,310
installations overall, Scotland had the
highest adoption rate. Between March
2020 and December 2021, approximately
1.3% of homes in Scotland installed
renewable technologies.
Of the top 10 areas across the whole of the UK with the
highest proportion of households installing small-scale
renewable technologies, seven were in Scotland.
None of the bottom 10 areas in the study period were
in Scotland, cementing the nation’s position as the
UK’s low carbon powerhouse.
CONT.
31,310
overall installations
across Scotland
Scotland
HOME-GROWN ENERGY IN THE HOME NATIONS
LOW CARBON LANDSCAPES34
49
MW
of electricity
capacity
68
MW
heat capacity
38,691
MWh
total electricity generation
for installations
142,850
MWh
total heat generation for
installations
34,526
Tonnes
annual carbon savings
for all installations
35HOME-GROWN ENERGY IN THE HOME NATIONS : SCOTLAND
Unlike in England, renewables are almost as widespread in
major cities as in rural areas. For example, Glasgow saw the
second highest number of installations of ground/water
source heat pumps of any area in the UK.
Scotland was particularly notable for solar PV installations,
with 70% of the top 10 installation areas being Scottish. At the
top of the list was Aberdeenshire, where approximately one in
41 homes have solar PV installations.
70%
1 Million
of the top 10 installation
areas for solar PV were in
Scotland between March
2020 - December 2021
homes in Scotland
to convert to zero
emissions heating by
2030 (HIBS)
The Scottish policy landscape:
March 2020 – December 2021
Energy policy is devolved in Scotland, and the
policy environment is supporting the installation of
renewable technology at scale.
The Heat in Buildings Strategy (HIBS), introduced in
October 2021, set out a pathway to zero emissions in
buildings by 2045 and detailed a series of near-term
actions, as well as a range of further, longer-term
commitments to accelerate the transformation of
the nation's building stock. Its vision is for more than
one million homes in Scotland to convert to zero
emissions heating by 2030. As such, emissions from
heat in buildings will have to fall by 68% by 2030 as
compared to 2020.
Other measures in Scotland include the Private
Rented Sector Landlord Loan, Warmer Homes
Scotland Scheme, and the Home Energy Scotland
Loan scheme, which are available for both private
and public households to help cover the costs of
installing renewables.
Aberdeenshire, where approximately one in 41 homes
have solar PV installations.
LOW CARBON LANDSCAPES36
The Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF) works to reduce the Islands’
dependency on fossil fuels and motivate homeowners to take steps towards
net-zero.
One of the main drivers for renewable heating and power in Orkney is the cost
of energy. The climate in Orkney is generally wetter, windier and cooler than
many other places in the UK, so heating is generally on for longer in the year
meaning that energy prices are a particular issue.
Wind power was of initial interest in Orkney, with the Islands’ population of
just over 22,000 people installing over one-ninth of all FiT-eligible wind power
in the UK but this has since expanded to include domestic solar PV electricity.
The falling cost of solar PV has seen its popularity grow. OREF reports that
the availability of certified battery storage systems alongside solar panels has
helped this demand grow even further. The average cost of solar panels is now
88% lower in Orkney than it was in 2010.
Leading the UK in small-scale renewables:
Orkney Renewable Energy Forum
At a regional level, the Orkney Islands
are the standout low carbon powerhouse
across the whole of the UK, with the
equivalent of one-in-ve homes having
some form of MCS certied small-scale
installation since 2008.
CONT.
HOME-GROWN ENERGY IN THE HOME NATIONS : SCOTLAND
WEBSITE
oref.co.uk
There are also local policies driving the uptake of small-scale
renewables alongside the hard work of OREF members.
The Orkney Islands Council has implemented its Sustainable
Energy Strategy until 2025 and a supporting Action Plan.
The strategy sets specific targets for Orkney to reduce carbon
emissions, eradicate fuel poverty, develop a secure net-zero
energy supply and position itself as a globally recognised
region for innovation in energy systems.
Home Energy Scotland also introduced interest-free loans
of up to £17,500 for homeowners fitting renewable heating
and energy technologies, making the upfront capital costs
of systems more affordable and achievable for the average
homeowner. The move has led to an uptake of renewable
heating systems alongside energy technologies, with
Orkney also recording high levels of air source heat pump
installations.
The OREF hopes to continue its work of the past 22 years
into the future and keep growing its now 150-strong
membership of local individuals and businesses. Speaking
of the importance of community collaboration, they told us
they regularly ‘gather together to discuss energy conservation
and new renewable technologies, and, in doing so, we inform
ourselves and also motivate others to take steps.’
£17,500
Orkney has recorded high
levels of air source heat
pump installations
interest-free loans
introduced by Home
Energy Scotland
The OREF hopes to
continue its work
of the past 22 years
into the future and
keep growing its now
150-strong membership
of local individuals and
businesses.
‘‘
‘‘
An installer carrying out an air source heat pump
installation – a popular renewable energy technology
on Orkney
LOW CARBON LANDSCAPES38
One of the main drivers for
renewable heating and power
in Orkney is the cost of energy.
The climate in Orkney is generally
wetter, windier, and cooler than
many other places in the UK, so
heating is generally on for longer
in the year meaning that energy
prices are a particular issue.
‘‘
‘‘
39HOME-GROWN ENERGY IN THE HOME NATIONS : SCOTLAND
