Not all renewable energy projects live up to expectations, according to this year’s Bank of Scotland Scottish Agricultural Survey.
Of the 359 respondents 14% had already invested in wind power, 14% in solar power and 9% in wood fuel heating, with hydro power registering only 2% and anaerobic digestion 1%.
Wind power had fallen below expectations for 37% of investors, and well below expectations for a further 14%.
By contrast solar power had proved below target for only 21% of projects, with 54% in line with expectations and 25% doing better than expected.
Sandy Hay, head of agriculture with Bank of Scotland, said: “It seems that an average wind speed only one metre per second slower than anticipated can make quite a difference to wind projects.
“Many of those with smaller turbines have used wind-speed figures rather than erect an anemometer.
“Those with larger turbines, say over 1mW capacity, have normally used anemometers and have had a better handle on expected performance.”
Gaining planning permission has also been a problem for those looking to invest in wind power, with 67% reporting it as being difficult or very difficult.
Hydro-power projects had also proven to be difficult, with half of those involved reporting difficulties.
Solar-power consent in contrast had only been a problem for 6%, with 69% saying it was not at all difficult.
Wood-fuel heating projects were found to be similarly easy.
Financing all types of renewable projects was reported as being “not at all difficult” for 80% of solar projects, 49% of wind- power projects and 615 of wood-fuel heaters.