The wind resource in Scotland is the highest in Europe and in recent years there has seen a huge number of turbines installed; many of them by farmers. A wind turbine can provide low carbon energy for use within a farm business or provide an additional revenue stream from export of electricity. Once installed, farming activity can continue around turbines and land take is minimal. This technical note examines the opportunities for development of new wind power projects by farms and rural businesses.

Energy from the sun lands on earth at approximately 10,000 times the rate of the worlds energy needs. However, it is a very diffuse energy source and requires capturing, concentrating and converting to a useable form. Solar photovoltaic panels capture a proportion of the sunlight falling on their surface and convert it to electricity for use in homes and businesses.