Solar Panels Scotland: Installed Through MCS-Certified Partners
Quick answer
Solar panels are one of the most practical ways for Scottish households to generate their own electricity. This guide explains how solar performs in Scotland, which roofs suit it, what size of system homes typically need, and how the process works from survey to switch-on. Our local area guides are listed below.
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Solar panels are one of the most practical ways for Scottish households to generate their own electricity. This guide explains how solar performs in Scotland, which roofs suit it, what size of system homes typically need, and how the process works from survey to switch-on. Our local area guides are listed below.
How solar performs at Scottish latitudes
Scotland lies between roughly 55 and 61 degrees north, so the sun sits lower in the sky than in southern England. That reduces yearly output a little, but summer days are much longer, especially in the north and the islands, and cool weather keeps panels efficient.
Panels generate on cloudy days from diffuse light, though at a lower rate. Snow usually slides off tilted panels within a day or two of a thaw.
Which roofs suit solar
South-facing roofs give the highest output, but east and west-facing roofs work well too and spread generation across the morning and evening. North-facing roofs are rarely worthwhile. Shading from chimneys, trees, hills or neighbouring buildings matters more than orientation, so our survey checks it carefully.
Slate roofs on older Scottish homes need careful handling, concrete tile roofs are usually straightforward, and flat roofs can take angled frames.
Typical system sizes
Most Scottish homes suit a system of around 3kW to 6kW, which is usually 8 to 14 modern panels. Larger detached homes and rural properties with outbuildings can go bigger, though systems above about 3.68kW per phase need a G99 application to the network operator before installation.
Network operators in Scotland
Central and southern Scotland is served by SP Energy Networks. The north, Highlands and islands are served by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). We manage the connection paperwork with whichever operator covers your home.
Solar panels in your area
- Solar Panels Glasgow
- Solar Panels Edinburgh
- Solar Panels Dundee
- Solar Panels Aberdeen
- Solar Panels Stirling
- Solar Panels Falkirk
- Solar Panels Inverness
- Solar Panels Perth
- Solar Panels Paisley
- Solar Panels East Kilbride
- Solar Panels Livingston
- Solar Panels Hamilton
- Solar Panels Cumbernauld
- Solar Panels Dunfermline
- Solar Panels Kirkcaldy
- Solar Panels Glenrothes
- Solar Panels St Andrews
- Solar Panels Ayr
- Solar Panels Kilmarnock
- Solar Panels Irvine
- Solar Panels Greenock
- Solar Panels Dumbarton
- Solar Panels Oban
- Solar Panels Fort William
- Solar Panels Elgin
- Solar Panels Fraserburgh
- Solar Panels Peterhead
- Solar Panels Fort Augustus
- Solar Panels Thurso
- Solar Panels Wick
- Solar Panels Dumfries
- Solar Panels Galashiels
- Solar Panels Hawick
- Solar Panels Peebles
- Solar Panels Stornoway
- Solar Panels Kirkwall
- Solar Panels Lerwick
- Solar Panels Portree
- Solar Panels Bathgate
- Solar Panels Alloa
- Solar Panels Arbroath
- Solar Panels Montrose
- Solar Panels Forfar
- Solar Panels Motherwell
- Solar Panels Coatbridge
- Solar Panels Airdrie
- Solar Panels Wishaw
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 across Scotland?
Yes. We arrange solar panel and home battery installations across Scotland 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 in Scotland?
Rooftop solar on houses is usually permitted development, but listed buildings, conservation areas and flats can need consent. We check during the survey.
Can I get paid for the electricity I export?
Yes. With an MCS certificate and a suitable meter, you can sign up for a Smart Export Guarantee tariff from an electricity supplier.
Is VAT charged on home solar panels?
Solar panels and batteries for homes are 0% VAT until March 2027.
Related guides
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.