Solar Trade Association Scotland (STA Scotland) has welcomed the publication of the Scottish government’s energy strategy.
The draft includes many STA Scotland asks, for example a pledge to further the role of solar in the review of building regulations and a planned action to address grid constraints will also encourage solar developers.
John Forster, STA Scotland chair, said: “We look forward to working with the Scottish government to help deliver its ambitious targets. Scotland’s solar potential has yet to be tapped, so there is a large scope for growth in the industry, creating local jobs and business opportunities as well as the environmental benefits.”
There is strong evidence that large growth of solar will have significant benefits for Scotland. It will help meet the Scottish government’s fuel poverty and community energy targets, as one of the most versatile renewable sources. It also complements the existing renewable energy mix; research shows that solar helps reduce the cost of intermittency associated with wind.
Isabella O’Dowd, STA project analyst, said: “Solar provides a reliable and cost-effective way to help alleviate fuel poverty and is an ideal technology to deliver community benefits. As the UK wide policy framework becomes less favourable to investors in renewables the actions of national, regional and local governments become increasingly crucial. None more so than Scotland, where leadership on building standards has already shown what is achievable.
STA Scotland support the Scottish government’s call on the UK government to provide a stable, supportive, regulatory regime to provide certainty to renewable investors. However, STA Scotland has urged the Scottish government to use all tools available to them to encourage solar, especially to lower the business rates that are stifling growth. Solar will be a key part of the diverse energy mix needed to meet Scotland’s energy demands in a low carbon way.