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.
1. CARES Community Buildings Fund
Community groups can apply for grants of up to 80% of project costs (capped at £80,000) to install solar PV, battery storage and other improvements.
Administered by Local Energy Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, the fund is designed to reduce running costs for community halls, churches, and local hubs.
- Deadline to apply: 31 October 2025
- Completion deadline: February 2026
- More info: Local Energy Scotland – CARES Community Buildings Fund
“Community buildings often sit at the heart of local life but face some of the highest pressures from rising energy bills. CARES is a chance to tackle those costs and make a lasting commitment to net zero,” says Duncan Booth, Director at Orka Solutions.
2. EV Support for Businesses
Businesses can still benefit from national EV charging grants:
- Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS): Up to £350 per socket (max 40) — covering 75% of installation costs.
- EV Infrastructure Grant (for SMEs): Covers infrastructure for multiple spaces (up to £15,000 per site) plus up to £350 per socket.
Both schemes are open until March 2026, making them a strong option for SMEs looking to electrify fleets or provide charging for staff.
3. Depot Charging Grant (UK)
The UK Government has also launched a Depot Charging Grant, covering up to 75% of installation and civil costs (capped at £1 million across all sites).
This scheme is designed for fleet operators, councils and organisations with larger charging needs, making depot electrification far more affordable.
4. Rural & Island EV Infrastructure Fund
The Scottish Government has launched a £4.5 million fund to improve charging access in rural and island communities.
Support ranges from smaller AC chargers up to £300,000 for larger, innovative projects that combine generation and storage — helping remote areas overcome infrastructure challenges.
5. Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) Green Grant Fund
For businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands & Islands, HIE is offering grants of £20,000–£250,000 to cover 10–40% of eligible project costs (up to 50% in remote areas).
The fund is designed to help organisations transition to net zero, and can cover renewable energy systems such as solar PV and battery storage.
6. Tax & Incentives
Alongside grants, businesses can take advantage of:
- Full Expensing (until March 2026): 100% capital deduction on qualifying solar PV installations.
- Annual Investment Allowance (AIA): Immediate tax relief on up to £1m of capital investments each year.
- Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Payments for excess electricity exported back to the grid.
These measures can dramatically improve project paybacks when combined with grants.
Duncan’s view
“Whether it’s a community hall, a small business, or a larger fleet depot, there are opportunities across Scotland to cut costs and accelerate the shift to net zero. The key is knowing what support is available — and moving quickly, because many of these schemes have fixed deadlines or limited budgets.”
Next steps
- Community groups should explore the CARES fund before the October deadline.
- SMEs and fleet operators can use WCS or the SME Infrastructure Grant to install cost-effective charging.
- Businesses in the Highlands & Islands may benefit from generous HIE support.
- All organisations can improve ROI further through tax relief and SEG income.
Pilot schemes are also exploring how to make EV charging more accessible for households without driveways, underlining the wider push for inclusive infrastructure across Scotland.
👉 For more details on the schemes listed above, visit:
- Local Energy Scotland
- Energy Saving Trust
- Highlands & Islands Enterprise
- UK Government OZEV Workplace & Infrastructure Grants
Westhill-based Orka Solutions delivers expert support and seamless solar, EV and battery solutions for businesses across Scotland.