Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Know About Solar Panels in Scotland?

Solar PV panels generate electricity from daylight and work in all parts of Scotland, including on overcast days, with surplus power stored in a battery or exported to the grid.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity from daylight. They work in all parts of Scotland, including on overcast days, because they use daylight rather than requiring direct sunlight. A typical residential system is mounted on your roof and connected to your home's electrical system via an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity from the panels into alternating current (AC) that your home uses.

When your panels generate more electricity than your home is using, the surplus can either be exported to the electricity grid or stored in a battery for use later. Adding a battery means you can use more of the electricity your panels generate, rather than drawing from the grid in the evening and at night.

How Do Solar Panels Work in Scotland's Climate?

Yes, they work well. Solar PV panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunshine, so a Scottish roof generates useful power year-round.

Scotland has a temperate maritime climate with significant daylight hours during summer and shorter days in winter. Solar PV panels generate electricity whenever there is daylight — they do not need direct sunshine. A south-facing roof in Scotland can generate a meaningful amount of electricity across the year, with output peaking from April to September. East- and west-facing roofs also perform well, generating electricity in the morning and afternoon respectively. Our survey assesses your roof's orientation, angle and shading to estimate how much energy your specific home could generate.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Getting Solar Panels?

Ask about your roof space and orientation, roof condition, your electricity usage, whether a battery would help, and the total cost including 0% VAT.

Before proceeding with a solar installation, it helps to understand a few key points: how much roof space you have and which direction it faces, whether your roof is in good condition, how much electricity your household uses and when, whether a battery would benefit you, and what the total cost will be including the 0% VAT that applies until 31 March 2027. Our survey covers all of these, and the questions and answers below address the most common things Scottish homeowners ask us.

What Are the Grants and VAT Rules for Solar in Scotland?

There is no grant for solar panels or battery storage. However, 0% VAT applies until 31 March 2027, and interest-free credit up to £30,000 is available, subject to status.

There is no grant available for solar panels or battery storage in Scotland. However, 0% VAT applies to residential solar panel and battery storage installations until 31 March 2027, which reduces the overall cost. After that date, the VAT rate is scheduled to return to 5%. Interest-free credit up to £30,000 is available, subject to status, for homeowners who want to spread the cost. See our costs page for more detail.

Is Battery Storage Worth It for Scottish Homes?

Yes. A battery stores surplus daytime electricity for evening and night use, which is especially useful in Scotland with its long summer days.

A battery storage system stores surplus electricity your panels generate during the day so you can use it in the evening and at night. This is particularly useful in Scotland, where long summer days can generate significant surplus energy that would otherwise be exported to the grid. A battery lets you make better use of the power your panels produce, reducing your reliance on grid electricity during peak hours. Batteries can also be retrofitted to existing solar PV systems in many cases — our survey assesses compatibility.