Solar panels have been around for a long time, but it’s only relatively recently that they gained widespread appeal. Thanks to rising energy costs, improved technology, and a desire to reduce their carbon footprint, more Scottish homeowners than ever before are exploring the idea of adding solar panels to their properties.
And there’s arguably never been a better time than right now. The cost of installing solar panels has decreased in recent years, and there are also a host of grants for solar panels Scotland homeowners can take advantage of.
In this post, we’re going to run through everything you need to know about solar panels Scotland, including their efficiency, why they’re worth installing, a few of the downsides, and the government-backed funding options available.
Do Solar Panels Work In Scotland?
OK, first let’s clear up a common misconception: solar panels do work in Scotland. Many people, including those in Scotland, believe that the reduced sunlight levels mean that it’s not possible for solar panels to generate enough electricity to power a home.
But that’s not the case. Modern solar panels don’t necessarily need direct sunlight to produce energy; they’re just the optimal conditions. Your solar panels can produce up to 25% of their full capacity even on overcast days. Homeowners in the parts of Scotland that receive the lowest amounts of sunlight/natural light may need to install more solar panels than homeowners in other areas, but they’ll still work.
Why You Should Install Solar Panels
Now that we’ve established that Scottish homeowners can generate energy from solar panels, let’s get into why they should. Installing solar panels can be a big investment of time, energy, and money, but there are plenty of good reasons why so many Scots have added the renewable energy source to their properties in recent years. According to the latest report, there are some 148,000 solar-panel homes in Scotland, and that number is steadily increasing.
If you already know that you’re interested in adding solar panels to your home, then click here to get a quote or to request more information.
If you’re still on the fence, then take a read of just some of the benefits of solar panels that we’ve outlined below.
They’ll Save You Money
The cost of installing solar panels is, to many, a sticking point that can be difficult to overcome. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that while there’s (usually) an upfront cost to be paid, solar panels can save you significant sums of cash in the long run.
Depending on the capabilities of your solar panel system, you may find that you can save anywhere from £500 – £1000 on your energy bills each year. Provided the solar panels have been installed by a reputable installation company, you should find that the solar panel system has paid for itself within 7 – 10 years.
They’re Good For the Planet
Want to reduce your impact on the natural world? Solar panels are a tremendously effective way to reduce the size of your carbon footprint. One study found that solar panels can reduce a household’s footprint by nearly 80% in a single year. Unlike other common energy sources, there are no wasteful, dangerous side products produced by solar panels. It is a genuinely clean, renewable energy source.
The Scottish government aims to make Scotland “net zero” by 2045, and if that’s to happen, then the Scottish public will need to play their part. Adding solar panels is a terrific way to do that.
They’re Effective
Homeowners may want to limit their impact on the environment, but they also want to have modern, efficient, high-functioning properties. Solar panels offer a reliable and effective way to power your property, ensuring that you can have all of the conveniences and comforts of modern life.
As we mentioned above, solar panels will work most effectively in direct sunlight, but they’re still functional on overcast days, which means even homeowners in northern parts of Scotland can enjoy the benefits. In any case, your solar panels don’t have to be 100% effective all the time anyway; if you need more energy than the panels can provide, then the grid can make up the rest.
They Could Earn You Money
Most people are aware that adding solar panels can positively impact their bank balance by reducing the amount of money they spend on their energy bills.
But they also make you money, too. Homeowners in Scotland (and in England/Wales) can utilise the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, which allows homeowners with solar panels to sell their excess energy to the grid.
How much you can generate via SEG depends on a number of factors, including the tariff you’re on (some energy supplies pay more than others) and the scale of your solar panel system. Small households using a 2kW system can expect around £45 a year, while large homes with a 5kW system can make up to £140 a year. While not a massive sum of money, it can help to further reduce the amount of time it takes for the solar panel to pay for itself.
They’re Essentially Maintenance Free
Solar panels use some pretty sophisticated technology. Yet, despite this, the devices themselves are relatively straightforward. You won’t find moving parts, oil, or other elements that you might typically expect from energy systems.
As such, solar panels typically don’t require any complicated maintenance. The only thing that homeowners really need to do is keep the panels clean, which can be easily achieved with a cloth and a solar panel cleaning agent. If you do run into any problems with your system, a local solar panel repair expert can help.
Solar panels have a long lifespan despite requiring minimal maintenance. Most homeowners can expect their systems to last around 25 – 30 years.
Safeguard Against Volatile Energy Prices
Traditional home energy sources are effective, but they can be expensive. That’s certainly the case right now, when energy prices have never been higher. What’s more, the outlook for energy prices is not encouraging; the energy costs of the olden days may never return.
Installing solar panels allows homeowners to escape the volatility of traditional energy prices. Rather than —literally — paying the price due to global factors beyond their control, homeowners with solar panels get to enjoy relative energy independence. After all, they’ll never put a price on the sun’s energy.
They Might Boost Your Home’s Value
More Scottish homeowners are looking to add solar panels to their properties. And that is also true of home buyers, too. Studies have shown that, in certain conditions, solar panels can add around 5% to the value of a property.
It’s a Good Move for Society
Finally, adding solar panels to your home can have a positive impact on Scottish society. The greater the number of homeowners who add solar panels to their properties, the more widely accepted it will become. If Scotland is going to phase out the use of fossil fuels, then it’ll need as many people as possible to “go green” and add solar panels. Installing them at your property may serve as a catalyst for others in your community to do the same.
You can further contribute to society by selling your excess solar-produced energy back to the grid using the Smart Export Guarantee scheme, which allows for your region to lessen its dependence on fossil fuels.
Solar Panels Scotland: What The Installation Process Looks Like
Adding solar panels to your property can have a transformative, positive impact on your wallet and lifestyle. Despite the advantages, the installation process is relatively straightforward. With a little bit of work, you can have your solar panel system up and running in a matter of weeks.
You’ll need to get in contact with an MCS-accredited solar panel installer that operates in Scotland. They’ll be able to tell you more information about the process of adding solar panels, as well as outlining information about any solar panel grants that you may be eligible for.
The installer will do virtually all of the work, including figuring out which solar panel system will be best for your home. Once you’ve received your quote and decided to proceed with the installation, they’ll visit your house, set up scaffolding, and set up the panels, wiring, and inverter. Simple solar panel installation projects can take as little as a single day.
Want to know more about installing solar panels? If you’re an experienced electrician, check out our solar panel installation course, which will give you the technical skills required to become an installer.
If you’re not an electrician but want a route into being a solar panel installer, then take a look at our or to request more information.
Grants for Solar Panels Scotland Homeowners Can Apply For
Solar panels are an effective way to power your home, and can also help you save significant sums on your energy bills each year. However, while the solar panels will pay for themselves after a number of years, there’s no denying that the upfront cost can be significant.
There are several government-backed initiatives that can reduce — or even eliminate — the cost of solar panel installation. You’ll need to qualify for some of these schemes, though others are open to everyone. We’ll outline the current grants/funding options for solar panels below, though remember that new initiatives will come out in the future.
ECO4
Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) is a government-led initiative that makes it easier for low-income households to purchase and install solar panels, as well as make other upgrades that help boost the energy efficiency of the home.
Qualifying for ECO4 funding can significantly reduce, and possibly even eliminate, the cost of solar panel installation. The funding is available to individuals who receive benefits that include:
- Jobseekers allowance
- Universal Credit
- Housing benefit
- Child tax credits
- Pension credit guarantee
- And more.
Once you’ve applied for ECO4 funding, a team will conduct a survey and, if you qualify, will organise for solar panels to be installed.
Home Energy Scotland
The Home Energy Scotland scheme provides money, in the shape of grants and loans, to Scottish homeowners (or people building their own homes) who wish to add energy-efficient systems to their properties.
You used to be able to get funding just for solar panels and installation, but that’s no longer the case. If you want Home Energy Scotland to fund part of your solar panel installation, you’ll need to get a package that also includes a heat pump or high heat retention storage heater. You can get up to £7,500 in grants or interest-free loans, though how much you’re eligible for will depend on your situation.
0% VAT
Most cost-saving measures are aimed at low-income households, but there are also some initiatives that are open to everyone.
The UK government has waived VAT on solar panels and installation, providing a significant saving compared with the full, standard 20% VAT. UK residents have been able to benefit from a reduced 5% VAT rate on energy-efficient products and services for some time now, but the rate was slashed to zero as a way to encourage more homeowners to install solar panels.
The 0% VAT scheme is in place until at least March 2027. Unlike other initiatives, there’s no application process — the installer of your solar panels will do all of the work. Note that you can only benefit from 0% VAT if you buy solar panels and installation at the same time.
Smart Export Guarantee
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) can’t help with the upfront cost of installing solar panels, but it can help to speed up the return on your investment. With this, you’ll sell any excess energy your solar panels produce back to the grid. You’ll have to set up SEG with an energy supplier, though keep in mind that suppliers pay different rates. Depending on the size of your solar panel system, you can expect to earn between £50 and £150 a year.
Warmer Homes Scotland
The Warmer Homes Scotland initiative is designed to help low-income households make improvements to their property’s energy systems, including installing solar panels. Once you’ve applied, a survey of your home will be carried out by a team, who will determine which improvements are recommended.
Depending on your individual circumstances, you may receive partial or full cost savings on solar panel installation. To qualify for the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme, you’ll need to:
- Receive passport benefits
- Be a homeowner (or renting from a private landlord)
- Live in a property that has a low energy rating.
What If You’re Not Eligible For a Scottish Solar Panel Grant?
As we’ve seen, there are schemes that you’ll be eligible for. For instance, the 0% VAT and Smart Export Guarantee schemes are open to everyone. You won’t need to do anything to benefit from 0% VAT, which could save you thousands. Once you’ve set up SEG, you’ll be able to earn money on your excess energy.
However, most upfront cost-saving solar panel schemes are only available to low-income households. So, if you’re not eligible for a solar panels Scotland grant, should you still add them to your property if you’re concerned about the cost?
The answer is probably yes, though it depends on how long you’re planning to live on your property. If you’re planning to move within a year or two, then it won’t be worth it unless it adds a significant sum to the value of your property.
If you’re in your ‘forever home,’ then installing solar panels becomes much more appealing. As we’ve said, adding solar panels can save Scottish homeowners significant sums on their annual energy bills, which means that, over time, solar panels pay for themselves.
How long that’ll take depends on the size of your system. Small homes, which tend to use 2kW systems, will see a return on their investment in around ten years. 4kW systems repay themselves in around 7 years, while 6kW systems in around 6 years.
Downsides to Installing Solar Panels in Scotland
Solar panels have a lot of advantages and are an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking to boost their eco-credentials and minimise the cost of their energy bills.
However, they’re not perfect. Before you decide to install solar panels, it’s important to be aware of some of the downsides.
Potentially High Upfront Costs
There is government funding available that can help some Scottish homeowners install solar panels on their properties at a heavily reduced rate. However, most homeowners are not eligible for the schemes that provide the most savings.
As such, the upfront cost of solar panels can be expensive, even taking into account the 0% VAT scheme, which can help homeowners save thousands of pounds on the cost of installation. Some homeowners may need to take out a private loan to fund the installation.
With that said, it’s worth keeping in mind that most solar panel systems pay for themselves over a 6 – 10-year period.
Effectiveness Can Vary Depending On Region
Solar panels work on non-sunny days, but they’re less effective. While it may not be an issue for homeowners in many areas of Scotland, those living in parts of Scotland that receive the lowest levels of light may have to install a more powerful system for the panels to work correctly. For instance, a 5kW system instead of a 4kW system, which can be significantly more expensive.
May Not Increase Home Value
Studies have indicated that adding solar panels will generally increase a property’s value. However, it’s not guaranteed. While many homeowners will experience a bump in value after installing solar panels, others may find that their value stays the same — or at least doesn’t rise enough to make the installation worth it. This tends to happen for homes that have gone overboard with the system (such as installing a 4kW system instead of a 3kW system). It’s recommended to work with an experienced, professional installer who will ensure you end up with a system that’s right for your home.
Solar Panels Scotland Generally Don’t Require Planning Permission
Don’t want to face the challenges of getting planning permission to add solar panels to your Scottish home? Don’t be — in general, you won’t need it.
In the vast majority of cases, Scottish homeowners can add solar panels to the roofs of their properties without obtaining planning permission. The Scottish government recently announced changes that removed many of the pre-existing rules, including the limit for the size of the solar panel system that could be installed on a single roof.
However, note that homeowners who live in a listed building still require planning permission.
The Different Types of Solar Panels Used in Scotland
Most people talk about ‘solar panels’ as if they were a single thing, but there are actually a range of different solar panel types. They all do the same job, but how they do it can vary. The four main types of solar panels used in Scotland include:
- Monocrystalline Solar Panels: More expensive but more effective, these solar panels repay themselves quickly.
- Polycrystalline Solar Panel: One of the first mass-produced solar panels, they are cost-effective but less powerful than others.
- Amorphous Thin Film Type Solar Cell: Affordable yet effective, these solar panels are increasingly popular.
- Hybrid Solar Panels: The most expensive solar panels in the market, hybrid solar panels work particularly well in Scotland.
How To Install Solar Panels Scotland
Thinking of adding solar panels to your property? Remember that the effectiveness of solar panels depends greatly on the type of solar panels used and the quality of the installation process.
Before choosing a solar panel company to work with, it’s recommended to take a look at all the options available to you, read reviews, and make sure that they are MCS-certified installers.
The Bottom Line on Solar Panels Scotland
The solar panel revolution has well and truly reached Scotland, and with the government having ambitious places to be carbon neutral by 2045, we can expect even more Scottish households to make the most of the clean, sustainable energy offered by solar panel technology.
