Solar Panels in Edinburgh

Do solar panels work in Edinburgh?

Yes. Edinburgh has good daylight hours and modern solar panels generate from daylight, not just sunshine, so they perform well across the city year-round.

Edinburgh might not be the sunniest place in the UK, but solar PV panels do not need direct sunshine to work. They generate electricity from the daylight that reaches your roof, and Edinburgh's daylight hours are perfectly adequate for a well-designed system. Output is highest from April to September, but panels continue generating through winter on bright days. Our survey measures your roof's orientation, pitch and any shading from nearby buildings or trees to estimate how much energy your home could generate. For more on what happens during a survey, see our how it works page.

Are there planning rules for solar in Edinburgh's World Heritage areas?

Yes. Properties within Edinburgh's World Heritage Site or conservation areas may need planning permission for visible panels. Our survey advises on what applies.

Edinburgh's Old and New Towns are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the city has many conservation areas. If your property is within one of these areas, visible solar panels on a street-facing roof may require planning permission before installation. Properties that are listed buildings also need listed building consent. This does not mean you cannot get solar — panels on rear roofs or less visible elevations may not need permission. Our survey identifies whether your property falls within a conservation area and advises on the permissions that may apply. We recommend checking with Edinburgh City Council's planning department if you are unsure.

What roof types are common in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has many Georgian and Victorian stone buildings with slate roofs, plus modern housing. Each type needs different mounting, assessed during survey.

Edinburgh's architecture is distinctive. The New Town is known for its Georgian townhouses with pitched slate roofs, while the Old Town has taller Victorian tenements. Areas like Morningside, Marchmont and Bruntsfield have a mix of stone villas and terraced housing. More modern developments in areas like Quartermile and the waterfront at Leith have contemporary construction. Each roof type requires a different mounting approach — slate roofs need careful fixing to avoid damage, while modern tiled roofs are more straightforward. Our survey checks your roof's condition, material and structure to determine the right system for your home.

Which direction should my Edinburgh roof face?

South is ideal, but many Edinburgh properties have east-facing roofs that generate well in the morning. West-facing roofs also perform effectively.

A south-facing roof captures the most daylight, but Edinburgh's architecture means many homes have east- or west-facing roofs instead. East-facing roofs generate electricity in the morning, which is useful if you use power early in the day. West-facing roofs generate in the afternoon and evening. Both orientations can produce a useful amount of electricity across the year. Adding a battery lets you store surplus generation from any direction for use whenever you need it. Our survey measures your roof's exact orientation and angle and advises on the best configuration. See our costs page for more on what influences the price.

What areas around Edinburgh do you cover?

We cover Edinburgh and the Lothians including Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian. Send your postcode and we will confirm availability.

Our coverage extends across Edinburgh and the surrounding Lothians. That includes Midlothian (Dalkeith, Penicuik, Loanhead), East Lothian (Musselburgh, Haddington, North Berwick) and West Lothian (Livingston, Linlithgow, Bathgate). Whether you live in the city centre, the suburbs or a neighbouring town, send us your postcode through our quote form and we will confirm availability. You can also check our areas covered page for the full list of regions we serve across Scotland.