Energy services provider Union Technical is set to install solar PV and battery storage systems across 30 owner-occupied homes in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae. The project, in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and Carbon Neutral Islands, will generate free electricity to power homes and help reduce residents’ energy bills.

As well as energy-saving measures, the initiative will provide additional benefits to the local community, including a new defibrillator which will be fitted at Millport fire station.

Additionally, Union Technical will support Cumbrae Primary School with educational resources and initiatives developed in collaboration with the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and the Developing the Young Workforce campaign.

Chris Cogan, construction director at Union Technical, said: “We are pleased to be delivering our first project for North Ayrshire Council and to bring tangible benefits to the Millport community. The solar and battery systems will provide free electricity to residents while reducing fuel costs, and our additional support for the local primary school and community health services demonstrates our commitment to lasting, positive impacts.

“With a strong track record of delivering similar projects at scale through our skilled on-site teams – but also in customer aftercare - we want to ensure residents gain the maximum benefit from these upgrades.”

This initiative marks a significant step forward in Union Technical’s ongoing mission to provide sustainable energy solutions across Scotland. By upgrading existing homes with renewable technologies, the project will contribute to stabilising the existing housing stock with long-term energy savings, environmental benefits, and improved community wellbeing on the Isle of Cumbrae.

Union Technical has deep expertise in transforming rural communities, having previously retrofitted homes in some of the most remote areas of Scotland to make them warmer, cheaper to heat and more comfortable to live in for homeowners and residents.

Councillor Eleanor Collier, North Ayrshire Council’s cabinet member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “Projects like this one are vital when it comes to helping residents find ways to heat their homes in a more environmentally-friendly way that helps to cut their energy bills.

“As a local authority, we are working towards becoming net zero by 2030 and this solar and battery programme aligns with our target.”