News and insights

Just like our local wildlife prepares for the future, Orka Solutions is helping organisations across Scotland do the same with a quick summary of funding available for solar and EV charging.

The funding landscape for renewable energy and EV charging in Scotland is moving fast. From community halls to small businesses and larger fleets, there are multiple opportunities to cut costs, secure grant support, and accelerate the shift to net zero.

Here’s a roundup of the schemes currently open — and what they mean for organisations across Scotland.

The scheme offers up to 80% of project costs (capped at £80,000) to support solar PV, battery storage, and heat pumps. Applications are open until October 2025, with projects to be completed by February 2026.

Duncan Booth, Director at Orka Solutions, said:

“The CARES fund is a real opportunity for community buildings to reduce energy costs while making a lasting commitment to net zero. We’ve recently supported a local church with solar PV, and projects like this show just how much difference it can make.”

£400 Grant Boost for Rural Home EV Charging

A new Domestic Charge Point Grant, funded by Transport Scotland and delivered by the Energy Saving Trust, is now open to households across rural and island communities in Scotland.

“It’s another positive signal that EV support is reaching rural Scotland — helping more households make the switch with confidence.”

Businesses preparing for electric fleet adoption can now benefit from a new round of UK Government funding aimed at making depots EV-ready.

The Depot Charging Scheme, delivered by the Energy Saving Trust, offers grant support to help businesses install EV chargepoints and upgrade their infrastructure — even if they’re not quite ready to fully electrify just yet.

Energy costs, carbon targets, EV adoption and battery storage is changing in how businesses manage their energy. And while the headlines keep coming, one thing is clear: it’s becoming increasingly difficult for companies to 'wait and see.'

ORKA Solutions has delivered a bespoke solar PV system for AJT Engineering in Altens, supporting the client’s sustainability goals with expertise, innovation, and proactive project management. The project was enabled by backing from the ETZ Property Improvement Fund, demonstrating the impact of local collaboration and targeted funding.

ORKA Solutions, a North-East leader in solar and EV charging solutions, has completed a major sustainability project for Hilton Instruments, helping the scientific equipment supplier reduce carbon emissions and futureproof its energy usage.

In a significant boost for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) has confirmed that all existing EV chargepoint grants will continue into the 2025/26 financial year.

Recent updates to the UK’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) have made headlines, promising to accelerate solar energy adoption by reducing planning barriers.

Effective 1 February 2024, the UK government has exempted retrofitted battery energy storage systems (BESS) from the 20% VAT.