Energy advice

AN OPEN day to allow islanders to learn more about small-scale renewables, energy efficiencies and switching electricity suppliers is being hosted by Shetland Islands Council and other organisations this Saturday.

Information will be available on small-scale wind turbines (6Kw), solar panels and current low interest loan funding available for installation.

There will also be information on the investor turbine option from the Kingspan Group where the investor pays for the turbine to be installed and the property holder pays a much reduced cost for their energy.

A spokesman for the council’s carbon management team said: “It is a common myth that solar panels need sunlight to work and so will not work in Shetland.

“In fact, solar panels work on daylight and a number of homes and organisations already have them installed in Shetland, including the council itself.

“It is hoped that with the loan funding currently available more property owners will consider this option, backed up by battery storage for periods of power cuts or to balance their energy needs.”

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Information will also be available on grants and low interest loans for energy efficiency works in homes and businesses.

Meanwhile, social enterprise Citrus Energy will be on hand to advise and help on switching domestic and commercial energy supplier to save money.

The open day will be held in the Lerwick town hall from 10am until 4.30pm.