How much do solar panels cost in Edinburgh in 2026?

There is no single flat price for a solar panel system in Edinburgh because every roof and home is different. Every installation is priced at survey, and the full cost is confirmed on your written quote. Until 31 March 2027, 0% VAT applies to solar panels and batteries, and interest-free credit up to £30,000 is available, subject to status.

What affects the cost of solar panels?

Several factors shape the final price of a solar PV system, which is why we do not publish a fixed rate card. The main variables are:

• System size (kWp) — the number of panels and total generating capacity. Larger systems cost more but generate more electricity.
• Roof type and condition — slate, concrete tile, flat-roof mounting and listed-building considerations all affect labour and fixings. Edinburgh tenements may need shared-roof access arrangements.
• Inverter choice — a string inverter, a hybrid inverter (battery-ready) or micro-inverters each carry different costs and suit different roof layouts.
• Battery storage — adding a battery increases the upfront cost but lets you store generation for evening use. Batteries are sized to your usage and confirmed at survey.
• Access and scaffolding — difficult access, multiple roof slopes or a listed building in a conservation area can add labour and equipment costs.
• Grid connection — most domestic systems under 3.68 kWp connect under SPEN (SP Energy Networks) standard notification. Larger systems may need a G99 application, which can affect timelines.

What system sizes are available?

The system size that suits your home depends on your roof area, your daytime electricity usage and whether you plan to add a battery. A smaller household with modest usage needs fewer panels than a large family home with a heat pump or an electric vehicle. During the survey we measure the usable roof area, check shading from chimneys and neighbouring buildings, and assess your usage to recommend a system size. The exact panel count, total kWp and full cost are confirmed on your written quote — we never quote a figure without having seen the roof.

How does finance work?

Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status. This means you can spread the cost of your system over a fixed period rather than paying the full amount upfront. Finance terms are confirmed as part of your written quote, so you can compare paying upfront with paying monthly before you make any decision. There is no obligation to proceed — the quote is yours to consider.

Because every system is priced at survey, the monthly figure depends on the total system cost and the finance term you choose. The surveyor will talk you through the options so you can see exactly what you would pay each month and how that compares to paying upfront.

What about VAT?

0% VAT on solar panels and batteries until 31 March 2027. This 0% rate applies to the panels and batteries themselves, reducing the total cost of a typical installation. After the 31 March 2027 expiry, standard VAT rates may resume, so systems installed before that date benefit from the saving. Your written quote shows the VAT position clearly.

Why are systems priced at survey?

A solar installation is a bespoke project, not an off-the-shelf product. Two homes on the same street can have different roofs, different shading, different inverters and different access requirements — all of which change the cost. Quoting a fixed price without seeing the roof would be misleading, which is why every system is priced at surveyand confirmed on your written quote.

The survey also checks planning and conservation area rules. Much of Edinburgh falls within conservation areas, and some properties are listed, so the surveyor confirms whether a planning application is needed before the quote is finalised. We install through MCS-certified partners.

How do I get a price for my home?

Call us on 0141 230 0198 or use the quote form. We arrange a no-obligation survey of your Edinburgh home, then send you a written quote with the system size, panel and inverter details, battery option (if chosen), finance terms and the total cost. You can then compare it with paying upfront and decide in your own time.

Related pages

• Is solar worth it in Scotland?
• Solar panels in Edinburgh — roof types and planning
• Solar with vs without a battery

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.