[ FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES ]
Grants & Financing for Renewable Energy
Comprehensive guide to funding your solar PV and renewable energy projects across Scotland
[ COMMERCIAL FUNDING ]
Commercial Grants & Financing
Funding options for businesses and social enterprises
Overview
Supports businesses and social enterprises across the Highlands and Islands to transition to net zero. Priority given to remote and rural areas (up to 50% funding). Standard areas receive up to 40% funding.
- Grant Range: £20,000 to £250,000
- Funding Rate: 40% standard areas, up to 50% remote/rural areas
- Eligible Projects: Heat pumps, EV charging, insulation, energy efficiency measures, solar PV (when part of larger carbon reduction project)
Eligibility Conditions
- • Must be a business or social enterprise based in Highlands & Islands region
- • Project must demonstrate significant carbon emission reductions
- • Solar PV only supported as part of broader decarbonization projects
- • Must provide match funding for remaining project costs
- • Projects must align with net zero transition goals
How to Apply
- Contact HIE or JMC Highland for initial project discussion
- Prepare detailed project proposal including carbon savings calculations
- Obtain quotes for proposed works (we can provide these)
- Submit application through HIE online portal
- Await assessment and approval (typically 6-8 weeks)
- Upon approval, commence works with approved contractors
Supports small and medium enterprises to improve energy efficiency. Grants cover up to 75% of eligible costs.
- • Energy audits and assessments
- • LED lighting upgrades
- • Insulation improvements
- • Heating system upgrades
Interest-free loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Available to Scottish businesses of all sizes.
- • Repayment terms up to 10 years
- • No interest charges
- • Covers solar PV, heat pumps, insulation, and more
- • Cashback available on loan repayment
JMC Highland, in partnership with Syntara Sustainable Energy, offers Power Purchase Agreements for commercial customers. We install and maintain solar PV systems at no upfront cost, and you purchase the electricity generated at a discounted rate.
- • Zero capital expenditure required
- • Immediate energy cost savings
- • Full maintenance and insurance included
- • Typical 20-25 year agreements
- • Option to purchase system after agreement period
[ COMMUNITY & DOMESTIC FUNDING ]
Community and Domestic Grants & Financing
Funding for community organizations, homeowners, and local groups
Overview
The Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) provides grants to help community organizations reduce their building's energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Managed by Local Energy Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.
- Grant Amount: Up to £30,000 per project
- Funding Rate: Up to 100% of eligible costs
- Eligible Projects: Solar PV, heat pumps, insulation, LED lighting, energy efficiency measures for community buildings
Eligibility Conditions
- • Must be a community organization (charity, social enterprise, community group)
- • Building must be community-owned or on long-term lease
- • Project must reduce energy costs and carbon emissions
- • Open to community halls, sports facilities, churches, community centers
- • Must demonstrate community benefit
How to Apply
- Contact Local Energy Scotland for initial advice
- Complete energy assessment of your building
- Obtain quotes from MCS-accredited installers (like JMC Highland)
- Submit application through Local Energy Scotland
- Await approval decision
- Complete works with approved contractor
- Submit final report and claim grant payment
Funding for communities to assess the viability of renewable energy projects. Covers feasibility studies, technical assessments, and development costs.
- • Technical feasibility studies
- • Site surveys and assessments
- • Business case development
- • Community engagement costs
- • Legal and professional fees
Supports communities to develop and own renewable energy projects. Can fund up to 50% of capital costs for larger community renewable installations.
- • Community-owned solar farms
- • Shared ownership schemes
- • Community wind projects
- • Hydro schemes
- • Community energy companies
Free energy efficiency improvements for eligible homeowners. Means-tested program providing insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy installations.
- • Insulation (loft, cavity wall, solid wall)
- • Heating system upgrades
- • Renewable heating (heat pumps)
- • Energy advice and support
- • Eligibility based on income and benefits
Interest-free loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. Available to homeowners and private landlords across Scotland.
- • Up to £7,500 interest-free loan
- • Repayment up to 10 years
- • Covers solar PV Thermal, heat pumps, insulation
- • Cashback available on repayment
- • Can be combined with grants