Clouds. It’s raining. Mist coming in from the North Sea. Scotland doesn’t exactly shout “solar energy hotspot,” does it? And yet, solar power is quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) growing here. You might be astonished at how many roofs now have gleaming rectangles that drink in sunshine, even when seabirds are screaming above them. Let’s talk more about why solar panels are becoming popular in Scotland and whether you should join the eco-friendly movement. Quotes Near You
First, let’s talk about the notion of never-ending dreich weather. Scottish weather does have a certain moodiness, that’s true. But solar panels don’t need direct sunlight all day. They do well in the sun, whether it’s foggy or brilliant. Even in Glasgow, where the weather may feel like “perpetual November,” panels provide enough electricity to cut your rates. A couple from Fife told me that their meter started turning backward the day after they put up their panels. Okay, not precisely, but close!
The government is also a bit of a booster here. Plans and rewards change quickly than a summer in the Highlands, but there’s usually something to win. With all the feed-in tariffs, tax breaks, and subsidies, it can be hard to keep up. Some people, nevertheless, were able to shorten their payback term from years to just a few months, saving the extra money for a rainy day (or, let’s be honest, a rainy month). You might also be surprised to learn that solar panels aren’t solely for castles or new homes built by fancy architects. Bungalows, crofts, tenements, and practically any other roof with good exposure can hold them. Installers can do a great job—by the time you’ve made a cup of tea, the panels are up, the wiring is done, and the new smart meter is flashing. There are choices to make concerning size, location, inverter kinds, and whether or not to add a battery. However, most companies do a good job of describing the alternatives without using too much technical language.
And what about the return on investment? People like to talk about numbers. A few years ago, people said solar wasn’t a good investment, but now that energy prices are going up and down, the calculator says something different. It won’t make you rich right away, but if you like the notion of lowering your bills and being a little kind to the world, it’s hard to find a disadvantage.
Plus, it’s a little bit of bragging rights. Don’t worry about flashy automobiles. It’s a unique kind of smug to know that your roof is working even in February as you’re sitting by the fire with a cup in your hand and your power meter barely moving. Who said that solar panels were only for the South? Scotland may be cool and foggy, but we’re smarter than you think when it comes to using the sun.