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Solar Panel Installation Edinburgh
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MCS certified
Local installers
Why Install
Solar Panels?
Whether you’re looking to reduce your energy bills year-round or generate electricity more responsibly, installing solar panels offers a wide range of benefits.
1. Savings on Electricity Bills
Want to slash those rising energy costs? Here in Edinburgh, with our fluctuating energy prices, solar technology stabilises and lowers your bills over time. Our customers typically see an immediate drop in grid electricity reliance, creating both instant savings and long-term financial benefits.
2. Saving the Planet
By installing solar panels, you're cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving Edinburgh's air quality. You're supporting local energy production while helping achieve Scotland's ambitious 2045 net-zero target, making a practical difference for future generations.
3. Protection Against Rising Energy Costs
Fed up with unpredictable energy bills? Solar panels provide a reliable shield against rising costs driven by market forces and regulatory changes. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme even lets you earn by exporting surplus energy back to the grid.
4. Long Lifespan
Modern solar panels are robust and long-lasting. With warranties up to 25 years and minimal maintenance requirements, they're a sound investment even in Edinburgh's challenging Scottish weather. Once installed, they quietly generate savings year after year.
5. Increased Property Value
Installing solar panels can significantly boost your property's market value. Market research confirms that properties with renewable energy installations often command premium prices, making solar a valuable home improvement with potential resale benefits.
6. Government Incentives
The UK government actively promotes renewable energy. The SEG scheme pays you for excess solar energy exported to the national grid, while the zero-rate VAT on installations removes the usual 20% tax, making now an ideal time for Edinburgh residents to invest.
7. Energy Security
Generate your own electricity with solar panels and reduce dependence on external suppliers. For Edinburgh residents facing high energy demands, solar offers not just security but also battery storage options, ensuring continuous power even during our darker winter months.
8. Powering Scotland
Every solar panel installed in Edinburgh contributes to Scotland's renewable energy goals. Your choice directly helps power our nation with clean, sustainable energy, essential for reaching Scotland's 2045 net-zero target and reducing fossil fuel reliance.
Why Solar Panels Edinburgh?
1
Edinburgh Know-How
As lifelong Edinburgh locals, we've developed intimate knowledge of our city's unique microclimate, historic architecture, and planning regulations. We understand how Edinburgh's northern latitude affects solar performance and adapt solutions for both wind-exposed coastal areas and sheltered inland locations.
2
Trusted Scottish Service
True to our Edinburgh roots, we believe in honest, straightforward service without the sales pitch. We provide clear, jargon-free information with upfront pricing and realistic performance estimates based on Edinburgh's actual weather patterns.
3
Future Proof
Our installers only use premium solar technology specifically tested for Scottish weather conditions, including systems proven to withstand persistent wind exposure, salt air in coastal areas, and the temperature swings typical of our northern climate. When you choose us, you're investing in a system that's built to last.
4
Community Centric
By helping fellow Edinburgh residents harness solar power, we're supporting Scotland's ambitious renewable energy targets while preserving the character and heritage of our historic capital. Our installations are designed as much for Edinburgh's next generation as they are for today's energy needs.
We understand the importance of working with trustworthy installers. That's why we offer no-obligation quotes to get you started.
Your Bridge To A Powerful Future.
Your Bridge To A Powerful Future.
We offer installation services for Edinburgh homes and businesses.
Home Solar
Installation
Sustainable savings for your home.
Comprehensive Residential Services
At Solar Panels Edinburgh, our installers craft bespoke solar installations for Edinburgh's diverse properties, from historic Georgian townhouses in New Town to modern developments in Leith, tailored to each homeowner's unique needs.
We offer multiple solar panel solutions to suit any property:
● Normal On-Roof Panels: Standard option ideal for most Edinburgh roofs
● Sleek In-Roof Panels: Integrated solution preserving period property aesthetics
● Ground-Mounted Panels: Perfect for homes with gardens, common in Edinburgh's outskirts
● Panels for New Builds: Custom installations maximising efficiency from day one
This range ensures optimised solutions, whether your property has a traditional slate roof in the Old Town or a modern design in newer developments.
Pre-Installation Assessment
Before installation, our team conduct a comprehensive property assessment examining:
● Site Suitability - We evaluate roof orientation, structural integrity, and Edinburgh's unique weather patterns to ensure optimal placement for maximum efficiency, especially given our city's shorter winter days
● Shading Analysis - Our team identifies potential issues from neighbouring buildings or Edinburgh's natural topography, recommending alternatives like ground-mounted garden systems when needed
● Planning Requirements - While most Edinburgh installations don't require permission, we handle exceptions:
1. Flat Roofs: Installing bespoke angled frames for optimal performance
2. Listed Buildings: Navigating Edinburgh's World Heritage Site regulations with the City Council to ensure smooth approval processes
Each property is unique, and our solutions match, whether angling panels on Stockbridge tenements or fitting them to South Edinburgh extensions, our team tailor installations to your specific needs.
Commercial Solar
Installation
Solar solutions to responsibly drive your business.
Comprehensive Commercial Services
At Solar Panels Edinburgh, our team provides commercial solar installation services to all types of businesses in the region. Whether you operate a small café in the Old Town, a large office in the financial district, or even a farm in the surrounding areas, we understand the unique energy challenges faced by Edinburgh businesses. We offer a variety of installation options to help out:
● On-Roof and In-Roof Panels: Ideal for commercial buildings with traditional or modern designs
● Ground-Mounted Systems: Perfect for businesses with available outdoor space
● Custom Installations for New Builds: Designed to integrate seamlessly with new commercial developments
Business Benefits & ROI Analysis
With just your past 12 months' electricity bills, our team will analyse your usage patterns to provide projected energy bill savings, optimal installation recommendations, and a detailed payback period estimate.
Commercial solar installations offer Edinburgh businesses substantial advantages:
Financial Benefits
● On-site electricity generation reducing grid dependence
● Protection against rising energy costsIncome from exporting surplus via Smart Export Guarantee
● Increased property value
● Tax incentives and reduced installation costs
Operational Advantages
● Energy security with optional battery storage for winter months
● Low-maintenance systems with long-term warranties
● Enhanced CSR credentials and environmental certifications
Our business-focused approach ensures your commercial installation delivers maximum return on investment while supporting your operational needs.
Putting the Power in Your Hands.
Energy security at home with trusted MCS-certified installers. We're here to make that easy.
Solar Panels
Savings
It is important to understand how much you save after installing solar panels. For a typical three-bedroom house in Edinburgh, a 3.5 kW solar panel system without battery storage is a popular choice.
Under standard test conditions, such a system would produce about 3,500 kWh of energy annually. However, given Edinburgh's northern latitude and weather patterns, real-world production is around 80% of this figure at approximately 2,800 kWh per year.
Most households without battery storage typically use about half of the energy they generate, around 1,400 kWh, directly in the home. As per Ofgem, with the average UK electricity rate at 27.03 pence per kWh, this direct usage translates to savings of approximately £379 annually.
£379
Average Annual Saving On Bills
The remaining 1,400 kWh is exported to the national grid through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme. At the average SEG tariff of 10 pence per kWh, you can earn an additional £140 each year from your exports.
+ £140
Average Annual SEG Payment
Combining bill savings and export income, a typical Edinburgh home with a 3.5 kw solar system saves around £519 annually. Please note that your savings will vary depending on your specific electricity rates, the SEG tariff you secure, and the particular sunshine levels at your location.
= £519
Average Total Savings
For a personalised estimate, please contact us at Solar Panels Edinburgh. All figures provided are accurate as of April 2025.
Types of
Solar Panels
It’s easy to think that ‘solar panels’ all mean one thing, but there are actually three main types, each suited to a different purpose.
Monocrystalline
Solar Panels
For most properties where roof space is limited, aesthetics matter, and long-term return beats upfront price.
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Crafted from a single silicon crystal, these sleek black modules deliver 20-24% efficiency in commercial products, with the current record-holder reaching 24.3% under laboratory conditions. That purity translates to higher power density; you'll need fewer panels to hit the same kilowatt output, plus strong low-light performance during Edinburgh's darker winter months, and lifespans that regularly exceed 30-40 years.
The technical advantages have driven market dominance: 98% of worldwide solar shipments in 2023 used monocrystalline technology, a huge leap from 35% in 2015. You'll pay roughly 10-15% more per watt than polycrystalline alternatives, but the extra output per square metre typically justifies the cost.
How we use them: Monocrystalline panels are our go-to for most city properties where roof space is limited, aesthetics matter (the all-black finish complements Edinburgh's slate and stone), and long-term return beats upfront price.
Polycrystalline
Solar Panels
For large, unshaded roofs where upfront capital cost matters more than panel count or visual appearance.
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Polycrystalline (or multi-crystalline) modules form from multiple silicon fragments, creating their distinctive blue, speckled look and typical efficiencies of 13-16%. Lab prototypes have pushed individual cells to 23%, though off-the-shelf panels still cluster around 14.5%. Lower manufacturing costs mean better price-per-watt economics for bigger properties or commercial installations where space isn't constrained.
The compromise comes in footprint and temperature sensitivity. Generating a 4 kW polycrystalline array demands about a third more modules than monocrystalline, and output dips slightly on warmer days, less of a concern in Edinburgh's climate, though still worth noting for south-facing metal roofing.
How we use them: Polycrystalline suits large, unshaded roofs where upfront capital cost matters more than panel count or visual appearance.
Thin-Film
Solar Panels
For architect-supervised heritage projects or commercial roofs where structural load and wind resistance are paramount.
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Thin-film technology deposits micrometre-thin semiconductor layers onto glass or metal backing, producing lightweight, occasionally flexible panels. Current efficiencies range from 10-20%, with solid high-temperature performance and impressive shade tolerance.
The tech has fascinating origins: NASA started testing thin-film cells in 1961 for spacecraft, prizing their exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Today's thin-film remains valuable where traditional frames prove too heavy or fixing methods are restricted.
The downsides? Shorter warranties (typically 10-20 years), quicker annual degradation rates, and significantly larger surface area requirements make thin-film impractical for most residential properties.
How we use them: We specify thin-film exclusively for architect-supervised heritage projects or commercial roofs where structural load and wind resistance are paramount.
Sustainable Savings for Your Home and Your Business.
We serve Edinburgh homes and businesses with solar installations, regardless of whether you're after bill management or responsible energy. It all starts with a click.
Panel Installation Process
1
Roof Access & Preparation
Preparing your property for installation.
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Our team begins with a comprehensive survey to assess your roof's condition and tile arrangements. This is followed by installing property-specific scaffolding, from minimal setups for East Edinburgh bungalows to more extensive systems for Old Town tenements. This tailored approach ensures safety, identifies any issues requiring attention before work begins, and often contributes to installation cost savings.
2
Mounting Structure Installation
Initial roof survey and scaffolding setup.
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Next, our installers carefully remove selected roof tiles to access and secure hooks directly into your rafters. We then replace tiles with added waterproof flashing (with custom-cutting for traditional Scottish slates if needed), ensuring complete weatherproofing. Once secure, we attach and fasten mounting rails to these hooks using high-quality screws, creating a robust frame designed to support your panels through Edinburgh's challenging weather conditions for decades to come.
3
Panel Installation
Fitting and securing the panels.
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The photovoltaic (PV) panels are then carefully positioned onto the frame using clamps. Our technicians ensure that each panel is precisely aligned for optimal sun exposure, which is critical for maximising efficiency in Edinburgh's variable weather and northern latitude.
4
Electrical Integration
Electrical connections and grid integration.
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After mounting, we connect the panels' DC output to an inverter (routing cables neatly under tiles or through carefully sealed and flashed openings), then link the inverter's AC output to your property's electrical supply. We install all safety components, AC/DC isolators and an Ofgem-approved generation meter for safe operation and performance monitoring. Finally, we coordinate with the local District Network Operator to secure proper grid connection, ensuring your system meets all regulatory requirements for feeding excess energy back to the network.
5
Commissioning & Certification
System testing and MCS registration.
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The installation is concluded with electrical safety and performance testing to ensure everything works as it should. You'll receive documentation including user manuals, warranty details, and maintenance guidance for long-term care. We then register your system with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), a mark of quality compliance with UK standards.
Your Simple Solar Journey
1. Initial Consultation
2. Expert Assessment
3. Seamless Installation
4. Energy Independence
We're your bridge to shaping a powerful future. Transform your home and business with solar power, starting with a free quote.
Edinburgh
Solar Grants
Fortunately, Edinburgh homeowners and businesses have access to a range of grant schemes designed to reduce or even eliminate upfront costs. These funding opportunities not only make solar energy more accessible but also help drive energy efficiency across the city.
0% VAT Scheme
The 0% VAT scheme allows both homeowners and businesses across the UK, including those in Edinburgh, to benefit from a discount on solar panel installations by eliminating the VAT cost. Available until 2027, this scheme significantly reduces the overall project cost.
ECO4 Scheme
The ECO4 scheme is designed to help Edinburgh homeowners on benefits who live in energy-inefficient properties. Eligible households can receive free solar panels. It is available until March 2026, so it's important to apply promptly to secure the funding.
ECO4 Flex Scheme
For households that do not qualify for ECO4, the Flex Scheme offers an alternative route to free solar panels. This scheme is available to Edinburgh residents earning less than £31,000 per year and who face specific health vulnerabilities. This is also open until March 2026.
Warmer Homes Scotland
The Scottish Government's Warmer Homes Scotland programme offers support worth up to £10,000 or more for eligible households for energy-saving home improvements, including the installation of solar panels.
Edinburgh Wide Coverage
At Solar Panels Edinburgh, our installers proudly serve the entire city with solar panel installation services.
Whether you're based in the historic streets of the Old Town or the Georgian elegance of New Town, our team brings local expertise to every project.
We also cover East Edinburgh with its coastal communities, the vibrant port area of Leith, the leafy districts of Stockbridge and Canonmills, the diverse neighbourhoods of South Edinburgh, and the expanding developments of West Edinburgh.
Our installers understand the local building codes, architectural styles, and weather conditions, ensuring that every installation is optimised for efficiency and longevity. No matter where you are in Edinburgh, you can trust us to deliver high-quality solar solutions.
Solar Panel
FAQs
Still have questions? Here are our most asked questions, answered.
Will I Need Planning Permission For Solar Panels In Edinburgh?
In the vast majority of cases, you won't need planning permission. However, there are specific circumstances when approval from the City of Edinburgh Council is required.
For instance, if your solar panels are set to protrude more than 200mm from your roof's surface or wall, and they extend above the highest point of the roof, excluding the chimney, you may need to apply for permission.
Additionally, properties located in conservation areas or those designated as listed buildings require prior consent, which is particularly relevant in Edinburgh given its World Heritage Site status and abundance of historic buildings.
If your property is a flat or apartment, meaning the panels would be installed on shared property, planning permission might also be necessary.
Will My Solar Panels Still Work In Edinburgh Despite Bad Weather?
Yes, they will! Solar panels do not require direct sunlight to function; they only need daylight to generate electricity.
Although Scotland's weather can include overcast days and shorter winter daylight hours, modern solar panels will still harness indirect sunlight effectively. Advances in solar technology mean that even on grey, overcast days, your system will produce enough energy to be a worthwhile investment, reducing your energy bills significantly over time.
During Edinburgh's longer summer days, your system will actually produce more energy than similar installations in many parts of the UK, helping to offset the reduced winter production.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost In Edinburgh?
The cost of a solar installation depends on several factors, including system size, placement, installation requirements, product quality, and labour.
When you first get in touch with us at Solar Panels Edinburgh, we discuss these variables and provide an indicative estimate for your consideration. If you're happy with the initial estimate, our team will conduct a detailed site survey that considers roof or land space, sunlight access, and any unique needs.
Our final proposal clearly outlines all costs and expected energy savings, making the decision- making process straightforward for both residential and commercial properties.
For context, typical domestic system costs are:
● 2 kW – £2,500 to £3,500
● 4 kW – £5,000 to £6,000
● 6 kW – £9,500 to £10,500
Typical commercial systems range from:
● 10 kW – £13,000 to £15,000
● 50 kW – £33,000 to £60,000
● 100 kW – £60,000 to £120,000
How Long Will My Solar Panels Last In Edinburgh?
Solar panel systems are built to last, given their lack of moving parts. Typically, you can expect your panels to last at least 25 years, with most warranties covering this period.
The inverter, an essential component of your solar installation, generally has a shorter lifespan of over 10 years. With proper maintenance, your system should continue to generate energy efficiently throughout its intended lifespan, even in Edinburgh's variable climate.
How Long Does It Take To Install Solar Panels?
For domestic properties, the installation process is generally quick and unobtrusive, often completed within a day or two. This includes mounting the panels on your roof, installing the inverter, and connecting your solar PV system to your home's electrical network.
For commercial installations, the timescales can vary significantly based on the complexity and size of the project, ranging from a week to several weeks. Please get in touch with us for a more tailored estimate based on your specific requirements.
Do I need a south-facing roof for solar panels in Edinburgh?
A south-facing roof will squeeze the very highest annual energy yield in Edinburgh, but it is far from essential.
Modern solar technology, such as monocrystalline panels paired with optimisers, can capture plenty of energy from indirect daylight, so east- or west-facing roofs in Edinburgh can still deliver 80–90% of a south-facing system's output.
The key considerations are pitch (30°- 40° is ideal) and shading, which can hurt performance more than orientation, especially given Edinburgh's northern latitude.
We will carry out a shade analysis and design split east/west strings or tilted frames on flat roofs to ensure you still achieve an attractive return, even in Edinburgh's unique solar conditions.
How much roof space do I need for solar panels?
Most panels generate a good amount of energy per square metre, so you can still get plenty of electricity, even from a smaller roof.
For context, a typical 3.5 kW solar panel system will need to be around 215 ft² or 20 m². This may sound quite large, but when we put it into a different measurement, it only comes out at 15ftx15ft or 4.57x4.57m. This will easily fit on most rooftops in Edinburgh.
Larger PV systems naturally require more roof space. For example, for a larger 6 kW solar system, the space required would double to around 430 ft² or 40m².
Where roof area is simply too tight, we will consider higher-watt panels and ground-mounted frames to help achieve optimum solar performance.
What solar panel system size is right for me?
This depends on several factors such as your property's annual electricity consumption, the efficiency of the solar panel brand you go for, the number of sunlight hours at your location, and the size of your home.
For context, typical residential system sizes are:
● 1 to 2bedroom home - 2 kW system
● 3 bedroom home - 4 kW system
● 4 to 5 bedroom home - 6 kW system
Typical commercial system sizes are:
● Small office or shop - 10 kW
● Medium supermarket or cafe - 50 kW
● Large-scale shops or restaurants - 100 kW
Please note that these are rough estimates. Please get in touch to understand what system would be perfect for you.
Why should I pair my solar panels with a solar battery?
To maximise your solar panels! Adding a battery lets you store daytime surplus and use it when electricity rates peak or after dark, lifting self-consumption from about 50% to 70–80% of the energy your panels produce per year.
This is particularly valuable in Edinburgh, where shorter winter days mean you might generate less solar power precisely when you need more electricity for lighting and heating.
Because each kilowatt-hour you use yourself avoids paying the grid rate (on average 27p) rather than earning the lower SEG export rate (on average 10p), the extra savings soon add up.
A battery also provides backup during outages, can charge on cheap overnight tariffs, and positions your home for future add-ons like electric-vehicle charging and smart-home energy management, typically paying back its cost within six to ten years while boosting energy independence and cutting carbon.
How Does The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Work, And What Tariff Could I Get?
The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) pays you for solar electricity your system sends back to the grid. Since 2020, every major energy supplier has been required to offer at least one export tariff.
Once your installation is complete, you'll need three things: an MCS certificate, DNO approval confirmation, and a smart meter that tracks half-hourly exports. Submit those documents to your chosen supplier, fill in a brief online form, and you'll see credits appearing on your monthly bill.
SEG tariffs fall into two categories:
● Fixed rates: Same payment per unit exported
○ Entry-level schemes: 4-6 p/kWh
○ Premium options (Octopus Outgoing Fixed, E.ON Next Export Plus): 15-16 p/kWh
● Variable rates: Shift with wholesale market prices
○ Octopus Outgoing Agile frequently exceeds 30 p/kWh during winter evening peaks
○ A battery system allows you to store energy for these high-value periods
For context, a typical 4 kW Edinburgh array exports roughly 1,600 kWh annually, earning around £80 at 5 p/kWh, £240 at 15 p/kWh, or above £400 with a battery optimised for peak-price windows.
The SEG converts your surplus generation into reliable income, whilst the solar you use directly slashes everyday energy costs.
Can I Add More Solar Panels To My Existing System?
Expanding your solar system is usually straightforward, though a few factors need checking first. When adding panels to the same roof section, matching your current panel type delivers the best performance consistency.
If roof space is tight, alternatives exist, such as ground-mounted arrays in your garden, or swapping to higher-efficiency modules that generate more power per square metre. We'll assess your existing setup and available space to suggest the most practical expansion route for your Edinburgh property.
Any system modifications require updated documentation with your energy supplier and may need fresh notification to your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
What Happens If I Move House After Installing Solar Panels?
Solar panels generally boost your property's value and attract buyers, particularly in Edinburgh's sustainability-focused market. The system counts as a permanent fixture and transfers to the new owner, complete with all warranties and paperwork.
Before listing your property, we'd suggest getting a current performance report and gathering all system documentation for prospective buyers. That includes your MCS certificate, warranty details, and generation data showing the system's financial benefit.
Moving to a property without solar? We're happy to discuss a fresh installation at your next Edinburgh home. Plenty of our customers come back when they've seen the advantages solar brings firsthand.
Make Your Move.
Go Solar.
Be it for your home or business, start your solar transformation today with our no-obligation quote.
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