Solar Panels Edinburgh
Solar Panels & Installation in Edinburgh
A typical 4 kW solar panel system in Edinburgh generates around 3,576 kWh a year. Every system is priced at survey, with the price confirmed on your written quote. 0% VAT on solar panels and batteries until 31 March 2027. Below, we explain what affects your quote, how Edinburgh's solar yield stacks up, and the funding options available.
Edinburgh Solar Hub is part of Scottish Energy Efficiency — an impartial advisory service, not an installer. We install through MCS-certified partners.
How Solar Works in Edinburgh
Edinburgh receives an annual solar yield of 894 kWh per kW installed — that's the figure used in MCS MIS 3002 / SAP calculations and is above the Scottish median of roughly 850 kWh/kW. In practical terms, a 4 kW system on a south-facing roof will generate around 3,576 kWh of electricity per year.
Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunshine. Even on overcast days — and Edinburgh has plenty — panels still produce meaningful output. During midsummer, the city enjoys over 17 hours of daylight, delivering long generation windows that help balance shorter winter days.
Orientation matters, but not as much as people think. A south-facing roof is ideal, but east–west splits typically achieve around 80% of south-facing yield and can actually spread generation more evenly across the day, which improves self-consumption if you're at home in the mornings and evenings.
System Sizes and Generation in Edinburgh
A full installation includes panels, inverter, roof mounting, cabling, generation meter and SPEN notification. Priced at survey; your price is confirmed on your written quote.
| System Size | Annual Yield (est.) | Panels (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kW | 2,682 kWh | 7–8 |
| 4 kW | 3,576 kWh | 10 |
| 5 kW | 4,470 kWh | 12–13 |
| 6 kW | 5,364 kWh | 15 |
| 8 kW | 7,152 kWh | 20 |
| 10 kW | 8,940 kWh | 25 |
Yield based on 894 kWh/kW (MCS MIS 3002, south-facing, 30–40° pitch, minimal shading). Actual yield varies with orientation, pitch, shading and panel degradation.
What Affects Your Quote
Straightforward installations on a standard pitched roof with good access are the simplest. Several factors can add to the work involved:
- Scaffolding on tenements or multi-storey properties:Edinburgh's tenement flats often require full scaffolding rather than roof ladders.
- Slate roof vs concrete tile: Slate requires specialist mounting brackets and more careful handling. Some older Scottish slate is fragile and replacement slates may be needed.
- Long cable runs: If the distance from roof to consumer unit is significant (common in tall townhouses), additional cabling and trunking is needed.
- Difficult panel access: Dormers, velux windows, chimney stacks or complex roof geometry reduce usable area and increase installation time.
- Bird proofing: Mesh around the panel perimeter to prevent pigeons nesting.
Your survey covers all of these factors so your quote is accurate — no surprises on installation day. Call 0141 230 0198 to book.
How Your Generation Is Used
The table below shows how a typical 4 kW system's generation might be split in Edinburgh. These figures are illustrative only — your actual figures depend on your usage patterns, self-consumption ratio, roof orientation, shading and panel degradation over time.
| Component | Annual Energy (est.) |
|---|---|
| Self-consumption (40%) | ~1,430 kWh used in your home |
| Export income (60%) | ~2,146 kWh exported to the grid |
| Total illustrative annual generation | ~3,576 kWh |
Assumptions: 4 kW system, 894 kWh/kW yield, 40% self-consumption. Exported electricity can earn smart Export Guarantee payments, with rates set by each supplier. Savings confirmed on your written quote. Self-consumption depends heavily on whether you're at home during daylight hours. Adding a battery can increase self-consumption to 60–70%. We do not guarantee any level of savings.
Get your personalised estimate
Solar Panels in Edinburgh Conservation Areas
Edinburgh has some of the most extensive conservation areas in Scotland, including the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and New Town. The good news: solar panels generally count as permitted development in Scotland under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 2011, meaning most homeowners don't need planning permission.
However, if your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, there may be additional restrictions — particularly around panels being visible from a public road or affecting the character of the building. In these cases, you may need to apply to City of Edinburgh Council's planning department for prior notification or full planning permission.
Conservation areas include Old Town, New Town, Stockbridge, Merchiston and the Grange. We can advise on the likely planning route before you commit. Request a conservation area assessment →
DNO Notification (SPEN)
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) is Edinburgh's Distribution Network Operator — they manage the electricity grid your home connects to. Before any solar system can export electricity, the DNO must be notified.
- Systems up to 3.68 kW (single phase): G98 notification. The installer submits a simple notification form after installation. No approval wait — you can generate immediately.
- Systems above 3.68 kW: G99 application required before installation. SPEN have 4–10 weeks to assess and approve the connection. This can affect installation scheduling for larger systems.
Your installer handles all DNO paperwork as part of the installation package — you don't need to contact SPEN yourself. Questions? Call 0141 230 0198
Panel & Inverter Brands
Our partners install products from established manufacturers with strong UK track records. Warranty and guarantee terms are confirmed in writing on your quotation.
Solar Panels
- Canadian Solar — Tier 1 manufacturer
- JA Solar — one of the world's largest panel producers, excellent low-light performance
- Trina Solar — proven UK supply chain
- LONGi — leading monocrystalline technology, strong efficiency ratings
Inverters
- SolarEdge — panel-level optimisation
- Enphase — microinverters with per-panel monitoring
- Fox ESS — hybrid inverters ready for battery retrofit
- Solis — reliable string inverters for straightforward installs
Your installer recommends the best combination for your roof layout and future plans (e.g., whether you're likely to add a battery). See our battery storage options →
Funding and Finance
Solar panel systems qualify for 0% VAT on both supply and installation until 31 March 2027. This applies automatically — no application, no voucher, no action needed from you. The installer applies the zero rate on your invoice.
This relief covers the full installation: panels, inverter, mounting hardware, cabling and labour. Batteries also qualify for 0% VAT until 31 March 2027.
There is no general grant for solar panels on their own in Scotland. Some means-tested schemes exist for lower-income households, and we will say honestly if you might qualify. Loans available, subject to status. Exported electricity can earn smart Export Guarantee payments, with rates set by each supplier.
Get a 0% VAT quote before 31 March 2027 →
Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar panels can I fit on my Edinburgh roof?
Most Edinburgh homes can accommodate between 8 and 14 panels (3–5 kW). A standard 400 W panel measures roughly 1.75 m × 1.05 m. Factors that limit capacity include dormers, velux windows, chimney stacks and shared tenement roofs. During your survey, the installer measures usable roof area and models the optimal layout using aerial imagery and on-site checks.
Do solar panels work in Scottish weather?
Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunshine. Edinburgh's MCS-certified yield of 894 kWh per kW installed is above the Scottish median. Panels produce useful output even on overcast days — you'll see reduced output, but not zero. In midsummer, Edinburgh gets over 17 hours of daylight, which helps compensate for cloudier winter months.
How long does solar panel installation take?
A typical domestic installation takes one to two days. The installer mounts the roof brackets, fits the panels, runs cabling to the inverter near your consumer unit, and commissions the system. They also handle the DNO notification to SP Energy Networks on your behalf. Most homeowners are generating electricity by the end of day two.
Can I add a battery later?
Absolutely. If you install a hybrid inverter from the start (most modern systems include one), adding a battery later is straightforward and typically takes half a day. If you have a string inverter without hybrid capability, you can add an AC-coupled battery such as the Tesla Powerwall 2. We recommend discussing future battery plans at survey stage so the installer can future-proof the wiring.
Get Your Solar Survey
No obligation. We'll assess your roof, model your yield and provide a written quote. Covering every EH postcode in Edinburgh.
We install through MCS-certified partners. Edinburgh Solar Hub is an impartial advisory service — we do not install.