New rules making it easier for homeowners to cut their carbon emissions and their energy bills by installing microgeneration technologies could soon be given the go ahead in Scotland.
UK planning minister Caroline Flint announced that from April 6th, homeowners in England and Wales will no longer need planning permission to fit devices such as solar panels on their properties, proving they do not impact on others.
The Scottish Executive is now known to be consulting on similar changes to the planning system which would see owners of Scottish property face fewer hurdles when making their homes greener.
Scottish climate change minister Stewart Stevenson said: "We are seeking to strike the right balance between planning considerations and the wider environmental benefits of reducing carbon emissions."
It is hoped that since homeowners will not have to spend time and money obtaining permission more people with property in Scotland will be encouraged to generate their own renewable energy.
Ian Butterss of Faithful+Gould consultancy told edie.net that as energy prices continue to rise and the cost of solar panels and wind turbines falls microgeneration is likely to become more financially viable.