Energy Tariff Comparison Scotland

Quick answer

Choosing the right electricity tariff matters as much as choosing the right equipment. This page explains the main tariff types for solar and battery owners in Scotland. We install through MCS-certified partners across Scotland. Savings depend on your roof, usage and tariff, and a no-obligation survey gives figures for your home.

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Electrician installing a home battery storage unit, illustrating home battery storage in Scotland

Choosing the right electricity tariff matters as much as choosing the right equipment. This page explains the main tariff types for solar and battery owners in Scotland.

Tariff types

Standard tariffs charge the same rate all day. Time-of-use tariffs have cheaper and dearer periods. Some tariffs track wholesale prices half-hourly. Export tariffs pay for electricity you send to the grid.

Technician fitting a solar panel on a house roof, showing solar panel installation for homes in Scotland

Matching tariff to system

Batteries suit time-of-use tariffs with a clear cheap window. Households without a battery may prefer simpler tariffs. Some tariffs require specific equipment.

Checking terms

Tariff rates and eligibility change frequently. Always check current terms before switching.

Batteries and tariffs in a Scottish home

Scottish solar output is strongly seasonal: long bright days in May and June, and very short days in December. That makes a battery useful all year round. In summer it stores the afternoon surplus for the evening, and in winter it can charge on a cheaper overnight time-of-use rate so the home avoids peak-time import.

Where the battery goes matters in Scotland. Unheated garages, sheds and outbuildings in Aberdeenshire, the Highlands or the Borders can fall below freezing, so the chosen battery must cope with that temperature range or be placed indoors in a utility room, cupboard or heated garage. Your installer also confirms the connection with the local network operator, SP Energy Networks in central and southern Scotland or SSEN in the north and islands, and sets up the inverter schedule for the tariff you choose.

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 I need a smart meter?

For most time-of-use and export tariffs, yes.

Can I have different import and export suppliers?

Sometimes, depending on the tariffs.

Which tariff is best?

It depends on your usage and equipment.

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.

No obligation · We install through MCS-certified partners · Scottish homes and businesses