The Scottish Government has allocated a further £4million to a scheme to help households generate their own green energy.
The fund provides interest-free loans of up to £10,000 for a range of renewable energy systems such as a wind turbines or solar panels.
Since it was launched in April 2011, more than 1,000 loans have been granted, allowing households to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and cut energy bills.
First Minister Alex Salmond announced the extra cash for the Home Renewable Loan Scheme as he visited a Lewis family that received help to instal a wind turbine and air source heat pump.
He said: “Scotland is going greener and the wide take-up of small-scale renewables appliances in households will be vital for us to become a truly low-carbon economy. There has never been a better time to save energy and go green.”
Mike Thornton, director of the Energy Saving Trust Scotland, which is handling the scheme, said: “Since April 2011, households that have received a loan will make total savings and income of over £12million. Figures like these mean we expect many more to take up this Scottish Government loan and reap the benefits of a home renewables system.”
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “Scotland has been leading the way in deploying renewables at scale. However, it’s just as important that ordinary households are able to play their part in cutting emissions by joining the renewables revolution that is now under way.”
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