Solar panel firms in Dumfries and Galloway have seen a huge surge in inquiries as the cost of living crisis begins to bite.
Worried business operators and householders are looking for ways to cut down on energy bills as they prepare for winter.
And solar power is seen as an attractive proposition in the fight to keep bills down.
Robert Wade, director of RJW Electrical Services Ltd, has seen a massive surge in interest over the past few months.
He said: “I think along with the energy crisis has come the realisation that people not only need to save money but they need to use their electricity more efficiently and by generating your own electricity it gives people the chance to make huge savings.
“We are a family run business and we have grown over the past 15 years from me being a sole electrician working on my own to now employing over 20 people and still keep the family run business mentality at the heart of the company.
“We have seen a huge increase in our workload over the past six months and are constantly trying to advise and help people to save money during the energy crisis.”
The rise in interest has brought its own problems.
Mr Wade added: “Along with the increase in workload, it is challenging getting materials.
“From solar panels, batteries or mounting equipment to fixing panels to the roof, the lack of availability has made it difficult to keep to installation dates as planned.
“We have a great team and employees are working extra hours on site, doing additional work in evenings and weekends to keep on top of customers enquiries.”
Kerri Ross, general manager of Solarae, a company which specialises in energy systems for homes and commercial properties, also reported a rise in interest.
She said: “The waiting time increased to around six weeks with higher demand from customers in the area.
“Delivery timescales are also slightly longer than normal. However, here at Solarae, we are very fortunate to work with a network of suppliers that hold very extensive stock portfolios.
“Inevitably like every business throughout the UK we have seen significant energy costs associated with our day-to-day business operation.
Mrs Ross added: “There is no urgency for customers to install solar panels but if home and business owners are looking at ways to reduce their energy costs, solar panels and battery storage is a solution that should be considered.”
