Solar Panels Edinburgh
Quick answer
Thinking about solar panels in Edinburgh? This guide covers local homes and roofs, weather, grid connection and the system sizes that typically suit Edinburgh properties. The Old and New Towns are a World Heritage Site and much of the city sits in conservation areas, so roof visibility from the street matters.
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Thinking about solar panels in Edinburgh? This guide covers local homes and roofs, weather, grid connection and the system sizes that typically suit Edinburgh properties. The Old and New Towns are a World Heritage Site and much of the city sits in conservation areas, so roof visibility from the street matters. Rear and hidden roof slopes are often the practical choice, and flats need shared-roof agreement. We install through MCS-certified partners, and every quote starts with a no-obligation survey of your home.
Homes and roofs in Edinburgh
Edinburgh mixes Georgian and Victorian stone terraces in the New Town and Marchmont, colonies cottages in Stockbridge and Abbeyhill, bungalows in Corstorphine and the south side, and large new estates on the city edge at places like Craigmillar and South Gyle.
Before we design anything, our survey checks roof condition, orientation, pitch and shading. Slate, concrete tile and flat roofs all need different fixings, and older roofs sometimes need repairs first. If your roof is not suitable, we will tell you.
Edinburgh weather and solar generation
The east of Scotland is noticeably drier than the west, and Edinburgh gets more sunny spells than Glasgow, although the haar off the Firth of Forth can hang over coastal districts in spring and early summer.
The Lothians are in the drier east of Scotland, with more bright spells than the west. Long summer days mean that east and west-facing roofs, as well as south-facing ones, can make worthwhile systems.
Grid connection in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is in the SP Energy Networks area, which covers central and southern Scotland. Smaller systems, typically up to about 3.68kW per phase, are connected under the G98 process, where the installer notifies the network after installation. Larger systems, or a solar and battery combination above that limit, need a G99 application before installation. We handle this paperwork for you.
Typical system sizes for Edinburgh homes
Most homes in Edinburgh suit a system of around 3kW to 6kW, which is typically 8 to 14 modern panels. Smaller terraced and ex-council homes usually sit at the lower end, while larger semis and detached homes can take more. A battery of around 5kWh to 10kWh is common for households who are out during the day.
We size systems from your actual electricity use and roof space rather than a standard package. Your written quote shows the full price, the equipment and the expected generation for your roof.
VAT and finance
Solar panels and batteries are currently 0% VAT until March 2027 for homes. Finance available, subject to status.
How our survey works
Every project starts with a no-obligation survey. We look at your roof orientation, pitch, shading and condition, your fuse board and meter position, where a battery or inverter could go, and how your household uses electricity through the day and across the Scottish seasons. You then receive a written quote showing the equipment, the expected generation for your roof and the full price, so you can compare it fairly. We handle the network connection paperwork with your local distribution network operator, which is SP Energy Networks in central and southern Scotland and SSEN in the north, Highlands and islands. We install through MCS-certified partners. Solar panels and batteries are 0% VAT until March 2027. Finance available, subject to status.
Frequently asked questions
Do you install solar panels and batteries in Edinburgh?
Yes. We arrange solar panel and home battery installations in Edinburgh through MCS-certified partners, covering houses, flats with suitable roofs and businesses. A surveyor checks your roof, electrics and usage before we give you a written quote.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?
Usually, yes. Most existing solar systems can take a home battery, either through a hybrid inverter or an AC-coupled battery. The survey checks your current inverter, fuse board and space so we can recommend a battery that suits your system.
Is finance available?
Finance available, subject to status. Your written quote shows the full price, and we can talk you through monthly payment options if you would like to spread the cost.
How do I get a quote?
Call 0141 230 0198 or fill in the quote form. We arrange a survey of your home, then send a written, no-obligation quote showing the equipment, expected generation and full price.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in Edinburgh?
Most rooftop solar on houses is permitted development in Scotland, but listed buildings, conservation areas and flats can need consent from City of Edinburgh Council. We check this during your survey.
Who connects my solar system to the grid in Edinburgh?
SP Energy Networks is the local network operator. We submit the G98 notification or G99 application for you.
Will solar panels work on my Edinburgh roof in winter?
Panels still generate in winter daylight, but output is much lower than in summer. Most of the yearly generation comes from spring to early autumn, which is why many households add a battery.
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Get your solar and battery quote
Tell us about your home and we will arrange a survey and a written, no-obligation quote. Finance available, subject to status.