Scottish Solar Energy Group, 31 Temple Village, Midlothian, Scotland
EH23 4SQ. Tel +1871 830 271 email: kerr@macgregorsolar. com

Abstract

This paper describes the rationale, conception and execution of a unique initiative to take solar energy into the community of Scotland. A mobile van fitted out with renewable energy equipment was prepared. It includes solar thermal, PV, small wind and bio-diesel technology. It is designed to be lived in and acquires all its energy from renewables. It is operated on behalf of the Scottish Solar Energy Group and has visited over 200 schools and 50 community events throughout Scotland over the last two years. Supported by commercial firms and voluntary organisations and the Scottish government, it is now self sufficient financially and is judged a great success in taking renewables into the community.

1. Introduction

The Scottish Solar Energy Group is the main solar energy body in Scotland. The group recognised that one of the main barriers to implementing solar energy was the widespread ignorance among the public regarding the technology. It was decided that the best way of combating that was to develop a mobile demonstration of renewables which could into the community, especially schools. That demonstration became SOLAR ONE.