CARES Community Fund
Managed by Local Energy Scotland, this scheme provides free expert advice and funding to help community groups and charities develop and own renewable energy projects
PCNZ Fund
The Powering Communities to Net Zero fund helps communities in the north of Scotland install technologies to adapt to the increasingly-volatile climate, supporting the adoption of low-carbon technologies to help decarbonise communities.
Home Energy Scotland
Homeowners can access up to £7,500 as a tax-free grant (plus an optional £7,500 interest-free loan) to install renewable heating systems like biomass boilers or heat pumps.
Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund
Providing up to 100% funding for businesses and community groups to install public electric vehicle (EV) charge points in remote areas, the Energy Saving Trust funding aims to expand Scotland’s charging network into regions less likely to attract private investment, ensuring rural communities aren’t left behind.
Decided which funding option works for you and ready to get your application moving?
To secure these grants, you’ll need professional technical specifications and formal quotes. As a specialist renewables installer, we are on hand to provide the expert documentation required to make your application compliant, and make the process as easy as possible!
CARES Community Fund
The Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, also known as CARES, supports communities to engage with, participate in and benefit from the energy transition to net zero emissions. Managed by Local Energy Scotland and offers a range of financial support to community energy projects. From churches and golf clubs to shinty organisations and village halls, we have supported a range of organisations through the process at Ri Cruden.
Approved projects must be completed and all funding claimed by the 15 March 2027
CARES is a Scottish Government initiative, delivered by Local Energy Scotland, that provides free expert advice and funding to help community groups, charities, and faith organisations install renewable energy technologies and reduce carbon emissions in their buildings across the country.
CARES funding is available for all community groups, charities, and not‑for‑profit organisations with self‑managed community buildings (this could include halls, community hubs, sports facilities and faith buildings).
Grants of up to £80,000 for solar and battery installations are available.
Apply via the CARES project portal, selecting Community Solar Fund. A self‑assessment checklist is required to confirm eligibility.
Powering Communities to Net Zero Fund
The SSEN Powering Communities to Net Zero Fund offers annual grants of up to £20,000 to non-profit organisations and community councils to support the adoption of low-carbon technologies such as solar PV and battery storage and to enhance community resilience against extreme weather events.
The application period will be open until 12 noon on Thursday 21 May 2026
An annual fund designed to help communities become more resilient to extreme weather and encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies, funding is offered for upgrades including solar PV, battery storage and heat pumps!
This fund is available for non-profit organisations, community groups and community or parish councils located within the SSEN Distribution network area, covering the North of Scotland.
Grants up to £20,000 are available per project for low-carbon technology or physical resilience measures.
Applications are submitted through the SSEN Community Investment Portal, following the completion of an energy audit for the proposed project.
Home Energy Scotland
The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme provides homeowners in Scotland a grant, interest free loan or a combination of both to install clean heating systems and energy efficiency measures.
This will run on a rolling programme, with funding processed first‑come, first‑served until yearly allocation runs out.
A Scottish Government scheme providing grants and interest‑free loans for energy‑efficiency improvements and low‑carbon heating for homeowners.
This funding is exclusively for homeowners in Scotland. Additional uplifts are available for rural and island households in the region.
Funding available varies on proposed upgrades with;
Up to £7,500 for energy‑efficiency improvements
Up to £7,500 for clean heating systems.
With an extra £1,500 rural uplift for both categories also available.
Contact Home Energy Scotland by phone or via their online form. An adviser will confirm eligibility and send a personalised application link.
Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund
The Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund is a Scottish Government grant scheme designed to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging to the most remote parts of the country. Managed by Energy Saving Trust, it provides substantial funding to help businesses, landowners, and community groups install publicly available charge points in areas where private investment is often lacking.
Applications are now open for 2026, but funding is limited. This is a first-come, first-served grant, so apply now to secure your spot before the budget is fully allocated.
A Scottish Government grant scheme designed to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging to the most remote parts of the country. Managed by Energy Saving Trust, it provides substantial funding to help businesses, landowners, and community groups install publicly available charge points in areas where private investment is often lacking.
This fund is for landowners, businesses, and community groups located on Scottish Islands or in rural/remote postcodes (Categories 5–8). Whether you run a hotel, a farm shop, or a local trust, you can apply—provided the charge points are made accessible to the public to help both locals and visitors stay mobile.
Grants start at £15,000 for standard AC chargers and reach up to £60,000 for rapid DC units. For larger, innovative projects that combine charging with solar power or battery storage, you can apply for up to £300,000. Additionally, if you are located on an island or in a very remote area, the grant can cover up to 100% of your total costs.
Applications must follow a 3-step process: Check postcode, get a quote from an approved installer, and submit a project plan through the Energy Saving Trust portal.