A community-led renewable energy project on Great Cumbrae has reached a significant milestone, with more than 30 homes in Millport now equipped with solar panels and battery storage systems.
Delivered through a partnership between North Ayrshire Council, Carbon Neutral Cumbrae and Union Technical, the Millport Solar PV and Battery Project forms part of the Scottish Government-backed Carbon Neutral Islands (CNI) programme. The initiative supports six island communities in demonstrating low-carbon innovation and climate resilience.
The latest phase saw 31 installations completed and is expected to cut around 24 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in its first year alone, while delivering more than £20,000 in energy bill savings for residents.
The project is designed to address three core challenges: reducing Scope 2 emissions from grid electricity, tackling fuel poverty, and strengthening local energy resilience. Each system includes battery storage and an emergency back-up power supply, ensuring households can maintain essential electricity during outages.
Councillor Eleanor Collier visited Millport on 27 May to mark progress and see the impact first-hand. She said the initiative is already delivering tangible benefits for the island community, from lowering energy costs to reducing carbon footprints.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands, added that the partnership approach has been key to the project’s success, praising all those involved for their continued efforts.
Union Technical, which carried out the installations, has also contributed to the wider community by donating a defibrillator to Millport Community Fire Station. The device replaces an older unit and will support more than 300 households. Defibrillators were first introduced to the island following a local fundraising campaign in memory of Colin McCuaig.
Scott Watson, Community Development Officer at Carbon Neutral Cumbrae, highlighted the importance of collaboration in delivering long-term impact. He noted that the project’s community engagement and investment will continue to benefit residents well beyond the installation phase.
Since the CNI project launched locally in January 2023, Cumbrae has recorded a 632 per cent increase in rooftop solar generating capacity. This has resulted in combined annual savings of more than £100,000 on energy bills and an estimated 123 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided each year, putting the island on track to meet its target of 1 megawatt of rooftop solar by 2030.
The initiative has also attracted national recognition, winning Small Project of the Year at the 2024 Scottish Energy Efficiency Awards and Best Community Project at the 2025 Scottish Green Energy Awards. It was recently shortlisted in the UK Top 5 at the 2026 Ashden Awards for Local Energy Innovation and named a finalist in the North Ayrshire Environmental Community Champion Awards.
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Chris Cogan, Construction Director at Union Technical, said the project demonstrates the impact of upgrading existing housing stock with practical, energy-efficient solutions. He added that solar and battery systems not only cut emissions but also improve affordability and comfort for residents.
