Call to back Scottish solar power industry

The Scottish Government should take a range of steps to 'pave the way for a solar transformation' north of the Border, an industry trade body has urged.

The Solar Trade Association wants a dedicated action plan for Scotland. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

The Solar Trade Association (STA) Scotland, which launched last March, has put forward 20 “key asks” on this type of power to help Scotland meet its “ambitious” plans for renewables to meet all electricity demand by 2020.

Proposals include establishing a dedicated solar action plan for Scotland, as well as specific recommendations on business rates, social housing and community energy. John Forster, chairman of STA Scotland and Brechin-headquartered solar business Forster Energy, said: “There are a number of simple, practical things the Scottish Government can do to boost solar north of the Border, whether it is encouraging wind and solar to share grid capacity or changes to planning.”

Forster added: “We are also keen that the Scottish Government look at options to establish its own financial support mechanisms for solar to bridge the gap between now and the early 2020s when we hope to see mainstream solar projects become subsidy-free.

“We are optimistic that the next few years will be good for solar in Scotland. There is scope for Scotland to lead the way within the UK, encouraging markets for solar on homes, commercial rooftops, new builds and solar farms.”