Can farms and businesses get solar in Edinburgh?

Yes, farms and businesses in and around Edinburgh can install solar on barn roofs, ground-mount arrays or commercial buildings. The value depends on your daytime electricity usage, whether a battery helps shift peak demand, EV charging needs and grid approval. We arrange commercial installations through MCS-certified partners after a no-obligation site survey.

Solar for farm buildings and barn roofs

Agricultural barn roofs around Edinburgh and the Lothians are often ideal for solar. Large, unobstructed spans face little shading, and many farms use significant electricity during daylight for dairy equipment, grain drying, ventilation, lighting and refrigeration. A barn-roof array can offset a large share of that daytime demand directly, which is usually the most cost-effective use of solar. The site survey checks the roof structure, covering material, orientation and load capacity, and the written quote confirms the system size and cost.

Ground-mount arrays

Where roof space is limited or unsuitable, ground-mounted solar arrays are an option for farms with available land. Ground-mount systems can be larger than rooftop installations and angled for optimal orientation. The survey assesses land suitability, shading, access and any planning considerations. Larger ground-mount systems may need a grid connection application — see the section on grid approval below.

Commercial buildings and businesses

Edinburgh businesses — offices, workshops, retail units, schools and warehouses — can also benefit from solar. The same principle applies: if you use electricity during daylight hours, solar offsets what you would otherwise buy from the grid. Flat commercial roofs can use ballasted mounting systems that do not penetrate the roof membrane. The survey checks roof load capacity, membrane type and access. See our commercial solar page for more.

Daytime usage and export

As with domestic solar, self-consumption is where most of the value lies. A farm or business that runs machinery, lighting or refrigeration during the day uses its own generation directly and saves on purchased electricity. Any surplus exports to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee. Smart Export Guarantee payments, with rates set by each supplier. The balance between self-consumption and export depends on your operating hours and demand profile, which the survey reviews.

Battery storage for peak shifting

A commercial battery can store surplus daytime generation for use during your peak demand period, or charge on off-peak tariffs to reduce peak-time draw from the grid. For businesses on demand charges or time-of-use tariffs, peak shifting can reduce costs beyond simple self-consumption. Battery sizing depends on your daily usage profile and demand pattern, and is confirmed on your written quote.

EV charging integration

If your business runs electric vehicles — farm utes, delivery vans or a staff fleet — solar can feed EV charging directly during daylight, reducing fuel and charging costs. Solar generation paired with EV chargers and a battery can form a self-contained energy system. The survey assesses your charging requirements and how solar integrates with existing or planned charge points.

Grid approval and the DNO

Edinburgh and the Lothians are served by SP Energy Networks (SPEN). Smaller systems up to 3.68 kWp connect under a standard notification, but larger commercial and agricultural systems usually need a G99 application to the DNO to confirm the local network can accept the export. Rural areas can have less spare grid capacity than urban Edinburgh, so an early G99 check is worthwhile for larger systems. The survey handles this and the timeline is reflected in your quote.

How to get started

Call 0141 230 0198 or use the quote form to arrange a no-obligation site survey. We assess your buildings, land, usage and grid situation, then send a written quote with system size, battery options (if relevant), EV charging integration and cost. We install through MCS-certified partners. Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status.

Related pages

• Commercial solar and battery storage in Edinburgh
• How much do solar panels cost in Edinburgh?
• Do I need a battery with my solar panels?

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.