The £9 million solar panel installation programme is already well underway in areas of Harthill and Salsburgh, with plans being developed for it to be rolled out to other communities over the next three years.

Councillor Michael McPake, convener of housing, explained: “By installing solar photovoltaic (PV) we want to help our tenants who are struggling with high prices during the current energy crisis and work towards alleviating fuel poverty. These panels allow households to use any electricity the PV panels generate for free and then pay for any further electricity they need.

“As a council, we are committed to using renewable energy sources wherever feasible and to contribute to the reduction of household greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative aligns with the Scottish Government’s target of achieving a 100% reduction in all greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

“The £3.5m program for 2023/24 will assist over 650 homes in lowering their electricity bills while also improving the energy efficiency of our housing stock.”