If ever there was a time to invest in green energy, it’s now. With energy bills continuing to rise, home and business owners across the north-east of Scotland are increasingly recognising the value of installing solar panels and battery storage systems into their homes and business properties.
The rush for solar panels began when the Chancellor announced in 2023’s Spring statement that the VAT payable on ‘energy-saving’ materials would drop from 5% to zero from April for five years.
This, coupled with a range of other incentives such as the introduction of grants, financial schemes, and interest-free loans (in Scotland, interest-free loans of up to £17,500 are available) from organisations such as Home Energy Scotland and the Energy Savings Trust has helped fuel that growth.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a cleaner, greener, and more economical way of living, or a business looking to offset some of the costs of an increasingly turbulent energy market, here’s your whistle-stop guide to solar energy.
Solar for Homeowners
While a south-facing roof with no shading is ideal, solar panels can also be fitted on east and west parts of the roof. The average house can accommodate between 10 and 14 solar panels, at an average cost of around £5,000 to £6,000.
Technology associated with solar energy has improved immeasurably in recent years. The development of batteries, for example, means that extra energy generated during daylight can be used to charge the battery, rather than directing it to the National Grid, storing the electricity for future use by the household. It can also be diverted to an existing immersion heater.
Installing solar panels can be a big investment, so it is important that you do some research before committing to that spend. Pay back varies for each home, but the current average is between five to 12 years. With the increase in energy prices, this will reduce.
When you choose to move away from fossil fuels and adopt solar power, you are instantly reducing your carbon footprint, contributing towards a cleaner environment.
Find out more about our Solar PV installation process for homeowners.
Solar for business
If you’re looking to future-proof your business and cut electricity costs by as much as up to 70% with reduced grid energy consumption, solar panels are the way to go. With the rising cost of electricity and the huge surge in fuel bills, you can protect your business going forward and reduce bills by making and using your own.
The installation of a solar battery allows the storage of excess electricity produced by your panels for later use, or to store low-tariff electricity.
Generating cost-efficient electricity on-site with no CO2 emissions also helps companies achieve their business aims, while at the same time improving their environmental, social, and corporate credentials.
Having positive green credentials can have an impact on customer choice and loyalty.
It can also have a positive effect on the employment and retention of employees, for example by Installing electric vehicle chargers.
Of course there is an initial outlay, but payback is relatively quick for businesses and the mid-to-long-term benefits more than outweigh any commercial solar panel and battery storage costs.
Find out more about our Solar installation system for business owners.
About Stuart Munro
Stuart Munro, Director of i-Protech Technology and i-Protech Renewables Ltd, has almost a decade of expertise with renewable energy. Stuart has solidified i-Protech’s stature as a leader in solar energy and battery storage solutions. His commitment to renewable technologies has not only advanced the company’s portfolio in electrical and security systems but also underscored his dedication to environmental stewardship.
