Too little is being done by the renewable industry to collectively promote the benefits that the technologies can offer and too much emphasis is placed on futuristic products that may be years away from the market, according to Mitsubishi Electric.
The company believes the retrofit market will have to become more of a focus for the renewable sector, 'especially when figures show that around 75 per cent of existing buildings will still be in use for the next 50 years'.
Mitsubishi Electric commercial director Donald Daw said: 'With so many of our existing buildings likely to be in use for decades to come, our future is already built to a large degree and the challenge for the industry is how we help these buildings become more energy efficient for both the owners and the nation.
'Collectively, the country has the products available right now to help make a difference, but renewables are still seen by many as something for the future rather than equipment that can help make a difference now.'