Scotland is not exactly renowned for its sunny climate, so many people are surprised to learn about the country’s considerable solar power potential. In addition, Scottish research institutions are helping advance the development of solar energy by reducing cell production costs.
The potential for solar power in Scotland
When people talk about solar energy, they often fail to distinguish between two distinct forms of technology. Solar Thermal energy is the process of taking the energy out of the suns rays and converting it to heat energy, while Solar Photo-Voltaic power involves converting this energy directly into electricity.
- Scotland currently has an installed Solar Photo-Voltaic capacity of approximately 500kW.
- Scotland has an abundance of natural resources, with 12 to 14 hours of useable daylight per day in summer.
- Solar Thermal energy in Scotland can fulfil domestic and commercial hot water requirements.
Solar energy research and development in Scotland
Scottish universities and other organisations have put in place an infrastructure supporting research and development across a number of disciplines related to solar power. Scotland also has a history of overcoming engineering hurdles to advance growth in the energy industry.
- Scotland’s ‘Silicon Glen’ semi-conductor industry has significant expertise in silicon wafer development and production.
- A fully-formed supply chain is in place to support further development of solar cell technologies in Scotland.
- World-leading research and nanotechnology companies are based in Scotland.
- Important discoveries are being made in Scotland which will enhance solar energy by reducing cell production costs.
Solar power opportunities in Scotland
Due to the growing recognition of the need to reduce carbon emissions, there is a massive, and growing, market for renewable energy in Scotland. Through legislation, companies will be able to produce renewable energy at a price that enables them to compete with current energy providers.
- The Government target is to be producing 50 per cent of Scotland’s electricity through renewable sources by 2020.
- New houses built in the UK will be required to supply 10 per cent of their power from renewable resources by 2010.
- Three million new houses are scheduled to be built in the UK by 2020, effectively creating a large market for Solar PV and Solar Thermal energy.
- Solar energy is one the easiest renewable technologies to integrate in to new buildings.
- Capital grants are available to householders, public sector bodies and businesses in Scotland for the installation of solar technologies.
We can help you to capitalise on the solar energy research, production and retail opportunities that exist in Scotland. We actively encourage inward energy business investment and provides support for companies in all sectors, including solar energy