A scheme offering Aberdeenshire homeowners access to solar panels and battery storage at a fraction of the cost is entering its final funding stages.
The Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme (ABS) is offering eligible homeowners the opportunity to install solar PV and battery storage for a heavily subsidised contribution of just £750 – helping reduce energy bills and locking in lower costs for years ahead.
The scheme is open to households in both off-gas areas and on-gas homes using electric heating systems, with eligibility focused on those in Council Tax bands A–C and with a household income under £40,000.
With demand high and funding nearly exhausted, places are being allocated on a first come, first served basis. Households who apply after funding is committed will be placed on a waiting list for next year's programme.
The installation of solar panels combined with battery storage allows households to generate and store their own electricity, significantly cutting reliance on the grid and reducing monthly energy costs.
One Aberdeenshire resident who previously benefited from the scheme shared the impact. William said: "That eases a lot of pressure on the bills — massive. It's fantastic... I wasn't aware how much difference it would make."
The scheme is part of a wider national effort to tackle fuel poverty and support the transition to low-carbon homes, particularly in rural and electrically heated properties where energy costs are often higher.
The scheme is managed by Scarf, who deliver the Home Energy Scotland advice service across the region. Homeowners can contact Home Energy Scotland directly as the first step, and advisors will guide them through eligibility and next steps.
With funding limited and the waiting list growing, early contact is strongly advised.
Contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 to find out more.
About Scarf
Scarf is a registered charity and social enterprise, founded in 1985, providing free, impartial energy advice across Scotland. Partnering with government, housing providers, charities and the private sector, Scarf tackles fuel poverty, improves energy efficiency and helps households access funding and retrofit solutions that cut bills and carbon emissions, with all profits reinvested for lasting social and environmental impact.
To find out more about Scarf, visit www.scarf.org.uk