As UK Government pushes solar, Scottish industry calls on Scottish Government to restore support for rooftop solar and batteries

Solar Energy Scotland

21 January 2026

With a major announcement by the UK government this morning to boost solar through the new £15bn Warm Homes Plan, the Scottish solar industry has called on the Scottish Government to use the £1.5bn funding set aside for devolved administrations to restore support for solar and batteries, ensuring that more households can access the benefits of cleaner, cheaper energy.[1]

The UK government announcement echoes the previously successful Home Energy Scotland grants and loans scheme, which saw over ten thousand households apply for energy-saving home improvements. A recent study showed that there were relatively greater increases in adoption in poorer areas than richer ones.[2] For every £1 spent, the scheme created £2.72 in societal value. However, support via the scheme was axed by the Scottish Government in 2023.

Across the UK, around 1.6 million households have now installed solar panels, and a large proportion of these are paired with battery energy storage systems – allowing them to charge up during the day and use their energy when it is most needed.

Chair of Solar Energy Scotland, Josh King said: “This is fantastic news for billpayers, and a great opportunity for the Scottish Government to restore Home Energy Scotland’s support. Cleaner energy means cheaper energy, and combining heat pumps with solar and batteries will really emphasise the benefits of the energy transition to households right across the UK.

“We also want to make sure home upgrade schemes like this are a once-in-a-generation policy. Equipping all new buildings with solar is common sense, and will bring Scotland up to speed with the rest of the UK, as well as our European neighbours and a change our industry manifesto argues for.[3]”

[1] Warm Homes Plan – UK Government

[2] Ending Scotland’s solar loans was ‘a big mistake’ – Solar Energy Scotland

[3] Solar Energy Scotland Manifesto – Solar Energy Scotland

– ENDS –

Editor’s notes

For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Gareth Simkins, Senior Communications Adviser

gsimkins@solarenergyuk.org

news@solarenergyuk.org | solarenergyuk.org

Solar Energy UK and Solar Energy Scotland represent more than 430 organisations delivering solar and battery storage projects at all scales. Our membership is made up of companies from all four nations, working to deliver a secure and affordable energy system.

Solar Energy Scotland launched its industry manifesto in November 2025, setting out steps for the next Scottish Government to unlock more solar and battery at all scales.