![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/industries-join-call-for-scottish-solar-power-reforms/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/127549099_gettyimages-157561457.jpg&description=Image source, Getty ImagesCompanies from a range of sectors have backed calls from the solar industry for urgent changes to Scottish planning law and tax rules.More than 20 firms and trade bodies have written to ministers arguing that business rates and permitted development rights must be reformed.A joint letter states that businesses are currently "unable to deploy solar energy at the necessary speed".It argues changes would help firms cut energy costs and decarbonise.The signatories include representatives from agriculture, warehousing, distilling, food and solar.The letter calls on the Scottish government to allow the installation of solar panels with up to 5MW capacity without having to seek planning permission. The current "permitted development" threshold is 50kW.It states: "This limit artificially constrains the potential for commercial rooftop solar. "The space of a roof will automatically constrain the maximum size of a solar power project, which in any case will be subject to all other relevant planning requirements."The letter, which was drawn up by trade body Solar Energy Scotland, also calls on ministers to exempt firms from paying non-domestic rates on new solar panels on a 12-year rolling basis, as is the case in England."Business owners who install solar should not pay a premium for decarbonising their business," it says. "The Scottish government risks its own ambitious climate mitigation goals by effectively penalising Scottish businesses who wish to install affordable, reliable and renewable onsite energy." Image source, Getty ImagesThe signatories include Aberdeenshire-based shortbread maker Dean's.Managing director Bill Dean said: "We have put off investing on solar PV panels for more than six years, entirely because the business rating system penalises businesses for trying to help themselves control their energy cost."If this matter had been addressed years ago, businesses would more than likely have invested in fully covering their roofs with){kind=link}
Companies from a range of sectors have backed calls from the solar industry for urgent changes to Scottish planning law and tax rules.
More than 20 firms and trade bodies have written to ministers arguing that business rates and permitted development rights must be reformed.
A joint letter states that businesses are currently “unable to deploy solar energy at the necessary speed”.
It argues changes would help firms cut energy costs and decarbonise.
The signatories include representatives from agriculture, warehousing, distilling, food and solar.