Planning checklist

Help to get a good job done. A bit of planning will help. And we’re here to give practical support, from finding an installer to helping you apply for funding.

What's involved in installing home renewables?
Planning permission and building warrants
Funding for home renewables
Finding an installer - download a list
Finding products

What's involved in installing home renewables?

This depends very much on the type of property you have or intend to build, where it's situated, and whether you want to apply for any available offers to help cover the costs.

Renewable energy technologies can be fitted to existing or new-build homes.

Choose the right system

If you are unsure about which system to install, our Renewable Selector will help you to identify the technologies that might be suitable to generate heat or electricity for your home. Or book a free home visit from a renewables specialist.

Making best use of your energy in your home

To make sure you get the maximum benefit from your renewable system it's important to check that your loft and wall insulation is adequate, that windows and doors are up to standard, and that suitable heating controls are in place before you install.

To get energy advice that's best for your home, try out our online Home Energy Check .

Planning permission and building warrants

Depending on the kind of property and the type of renewable energy system to be installed, you may also need to get permission from your local planning authority.

The Scottish Government has changed planning legislation to make it easier to install certain renewable energy systems.

For further information on planning issues, contact Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 or your local Planning Department.

Building warrants - We always recommend you contact your local authority to discuss your plans.

Funding for home renewables

Home renewables loan scheme

Borrow up to £10,000 towards the installation of renewable electricity and heat technologies. Read more about the Home renewables loan scheme.

Energy Saving Scotland home loan

If you live in an area covered by the Home Insulation Scheme you may be eligible for a home loan. Read more about the Energy Saving Scotland home loans scheme.

Finding an installer

Although you could install a renewable energy system yourself, a good installer will help you get the right system for your home set up in the best possible way.

If you intend to apply for the Feed-in Tariffs scheme and/or the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive, the system must be installed by a Microgeneration Certification (MSC) certificated installer.

To help you find a local installer, we've produced a handy list of those based in, or operating in, Scotland:

Access the Scotland Installer List.

Finding products

To qualify for the Feed-in Tariffs scheme and/or the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive, the renewables system must be certificated.

A full list of registered products for micro hydro, micro wind, solar water heating, biomass heating and ground source heat pumps can be viewed on the Microgeneration Certification website.