Is solar worth it in Scotland?

Yes, solar is worth it for many Scottish homes. MCS generation data puts Edinburgh at about 894 kWh per year for each kW installed — above the Scottish median of 850. Whether it pays back for you depends on how much you use yourself, export payments, roof orientation and whether you add a battery. A survey confirms the real figures for your home.

How much do solar panels generate in Edinburgh?

Solar panels generate from daylight, not just direct sunshine, so they work through Edinburgh’s cloudy days. MCS data gives Edinburgh a yield of around 894 kWh per kW of installed capacity per year. That is above the Scottish median of 850 kWh/kW, meaning Edinburgh roofs perform slightly better than the national midpoint. Generation is highest in summer and lower in winter, but the panels produce useful electricity year-round.

The exact generation on your roof depends on its direction, tilt and shading. A south-facing slope with no shading generates the most, but east and west roofs also perform well and spread generation across the day. The survey measures these factors and the written quote shows an estimate for your specific roof.

Edinburgh vs the Scottish median

At 894 kWh/kW per year, Edinburgh sits above the Scottish median of 850 kWh/kW. In practical terms, this means a typical system in Edinburgh generates slightly more each year than the Scottish average. The difference is not dramatic, but it confirms that Edinburgh is a solid location for solar — the idea that solar only works in sunny southern England is a myth. Panels across Scotland generate meaningful amounts of electricity.

Self-consumption: using what you generate

The financial value of solar comes mainly from the electricity you use yourself rather than buy from the grid. This is called self-consumption. The more of your generation you use directly — running washing machines, dishwashers and hot water during daylight hours — the more you save on your electricity bill. Households where someone is home during the day, or that can time appliances to run in sunlight hours, get the most value from a solar-only system.

Exporting surplus electricity

Any electricity you generate but do not use flows to the grid, and you can be paid for it under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Smart Export Guarantee payments, with rates set by each supplier. Export rates vary, so it is worth comparing SEG tariffs from different suppliers. Export payments add to the value of your system, though self-consumption usually saves more per kWh than export pays. A battery can help shift more generation into self-consumption.

Does adding a battery help?

A battery stores surplus daytime generation for use in the evening and overnight, which increases self-consumption and reduces the amount you buy from the grid at peak times. If you are out during the day, a battery can make a big difference to the value of your system. Batteries can also charge on cheaper off-peak electricity from a time-of-use tariff. Whether a battery is worth adding depends on your usage pattern and budget — the survey covers this and the quote shows the cost with and without a battery. See our do I need a battery guide for more.

Roof orientation and shading

Orientation is one of the biggest factors in how much your panels generate. A south-facing roof is ideal, but east-west roofs are also viable and spread generation across morning and afternoon — which can actually suit self-consumption better if you use electricity at both ends of the day. Shading from chimneys, dormers, trees and neighbouring buildings reduces output, so the survey checks for this. In Edinburgh, tenement chimneys and valley roofs can cause shading, and north-facing slopes are usually not worth covering.

How do I find out if it is worth it for me?

The best way to know is a survey. We measure your roof, check orientation and shading, review your electricity usage and recommend a system size with or without a battery. The written quote shows the estimated generation and the cost so you can decide. Call 0141 230 0198 or use the quote form. We install through MCS-certified partners.

Related pages

• How much do solar panels cost in Edinburgh?
• Do I need a battery with my solar panels?
• Check your Edinburgh roof for solar

More answers from Scottish Energy Efficiency

Edinburgh Solar Hub is a trading name of Scot Energy Efficiency Ltd, company number 17408629, registered office 66 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NA.