Scottish Gas seals deal on solar partnership

Scottish Gas has sealed a partnership deal to help meet the growing demand for solar panel and battery storage technology from homeowners looking to save on their energy bills.

The tie-up with Brechinbased Forster Group will enable Scottish Gas to install solar power and battery technology to any eligible customer in Scotland, England and Wales for the first time. An average three-bedroomed house can pay back costs within 14 years by installing solar panels, depending on their scale, and latest industry figures show that more than 183,000 installations were carried out across the UK during the past year.

Forster Group already provides solar services to one in five of all new homes in Scotland and has offices in Brechin, Angus, and Livingston.

Customers can currently benefit from a free consultation for solar panel installation tailored to their energy usage and home layout.

Research in the British Gas homes index revealed that more than two fifths of people said they were considering installing solar panels in the next two years to save on bills.

Susan Wells, low carbon homes director at Centricaowned Scottish Gas, said: “We’re seeing our customers get more engaged with the benefits of solar energy, which is why we are extending our capabilities and partnering with Forster Group. Forster’s impressive track record in Scotland will allow us to meet the growing demand for solar and provide customers with expert advice and installations.”

John Forster, chairman and founder of Forster Group, said: “This partnership with Scottish Gas is a fantastic milestone on the Forster Group’s journey.”