New Scottish arm of solar trade group
THE UK’S Solar Trade Association (STA) has launched a new Scottish arm, backed by politicians and figures from the energy industry.
STA Scotland will be chaired by Forster Energy chairman John Forster. The group will advise and develop policy with the Scottish government, while also raising awareness about solar power.
Around 35,000 homes and 600 businesses in the country currently use solar technology, according to the STA, which estimates that there are 25,000 hectares of south-facing commercial rooftops in Scotland that could be put to use to generate clean, home-grown energy.
Fergus Ewing, Scotland’s energy minister, said the new trade body will “undoubtedly contribute” to the Scottish government’s target to generate the equivalent of 100 per cent of Scotland’s electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020.
“Supporting solar energy is hugely important as it supports our economic strategy to work towards further social equality and the reduction in fuel poverty for the people of Scotland,” said Ewing.
Meanwhile, Forster commented: “Striving towards a more sustainable, green and energy efficient Scotland has been a passion of mine for a long time and I am delighted to be in a position to help make this happen.”