Scottish Gas seals solar panel deal to save cash-strapped households up to 90%

Tie-up with Forster Group will enable Centrica-owned utility to install solar power and battery technology to any eligible customer for the first time.

Industry figures show that more than 183,000 solar panel installations were carried out across the UK last year.

Scottish Gas has sealed a partnership deal to help meet the growing demand for solar panel and battery storage technology from homeowners looking to save on their energy bills.

The tie-up with Brechin-based Forster Group will enable Scottish Gas to install solar power and battery technology to any eligible customer in Scotland, England and Wales for the first time. It is estimated that households could save between 75 and 90 per cent of the cost of their electricity bill by installing solar panels, depending on their scale, and latest industry figures show that more than 183,000 installations were carried out across the UK last year.

Forster Group already provides solar services to one in five of all new homes in Scotland and has offices in Brechin, Angus, and Livingston. Customers can currently benefit from a free consultation for solar panel installation tailored to their energy usage and home layout.

Research in the British Gas homes index revealed that more than two fifths of people said they were considering installing solar panels in the next two years to save on bills.

Susan Wells, low carbon homes director at Centrica-owned Scottish Gas, said: “We’re seeing our customers get more engaged with the benefits of solar energy, which is why we are extending our capabilities and partnering with Forster Group. Forster’s impressive track record in Scotland will allow us to meet the growing demand for solar and provide customers with expert advice and installations.”

John Forster, chairman and founder of Forster Group, said: “This partnership with Scottish Gas is a fantastic milestone on the Forster Group’s journey and will enable us to provide solar and battery storage installations to even more customers across Scotland. We are seeing solar power and battery technology playing an essential role in the country’s transition to net zero and with consumer appetite growing, more people now have the ability to take control of their own energy usage and make huge savings generating their own power. For over 30 years Forster Group has provided industry-leading solar and roofing solutions with a passion for innovation and the highest quality of customer service.”

Scotland powers ahead as homeowners rush to fit solar panels