With major efficiency improvements and falling technology costs, large-scale solar power is now one of the cheapest sources of new electricity generation in Scotland, comparable to or cheaper than onshore wind and far less expensive than gas or new nuclear power.
Two common uses of solar energy are electricity generation and hot water. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels capture photons from sunlight and convert them into electricity, while solar water heating systems use tubes or panels to collect energy to heat water. The heated water is stored in a thermal store or hot water cylinder. A limitation of both systems is reduced efficiency during cloudy or rainy weather.
Beyond homes, the UK has seen rapid growth in solar farms; by 2025, there were just under 1,300 sites. Errol Estate Solar Farm in Perthshire is among Scotland’s largest, a 13 MW facility generating enough electricity for about 3,500 homes. Arran Community Renewables secured consent in 2025 for a 6 MW Glenkiln Solar Farm near Lamlash.
While many councils support renewable energy schemes, there have been public concerns about the amount of land and water area solar farms are expanding into and their impact on local communities, farming and tourist regions. Using renewable energy such as solar helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels generated electricity in Scotland. If implemented with other renewable energy developments, this will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Background image for this poster was created by: Andrey Grinkevich on Unsplash
RESEARCH //
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