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Solar Panels in Scotland in 2024
Despite Scotland’s latitude, solar panels work perfectly well and are a highly efficient way to produce free electricity for your home, playing an increasingly important role in the country’s renewable energy market.
In addition, the installation of solar panels not only helps you save money on your energy bills by producing free solar energy but also makes you eligible for a range of government schemes. These include programs such as the Warmer Homes Scotland plan, ECO4, and the Smart Export Export Guarantee scheme.
Therefore, solar panels will allow you to enjoy both efficiency and financial benefits, while also making a positive impact on the environment. In this article, we’ll navigate you through the costs of installing solar panels in Scotland and what schemes are available to you.
Interested in solar panels for your home in Scotland? Let us help you find the right installer. We can provide you with quotes from up to 4 local installers, this will let you compare the offers side by side and pick the one that suits your needs the best.
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- Solar Panels in Scotland in 2023
- Are solar panels worth having in Scotland?
- Are there any solar panel grants in Scotland in 2023?
- How much do solar panels cost in Scotland?
- Do I need planning permission for solar panels Scotland?
- How do I find the best solar panel installers in Scotland?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Are solar panels worth having in Scotland?
In Scotland there has been a growing demand for solar panels, seen both domestically and commercially. With increasing energy prices leading to higher energy bills, it can make a lot of economical sense to invest in solar panels in Scotland.
The payback period for some domestic solar panel systems can be as low as 12 months, this makes the investment even more beneficial for homeowners in Scotland.
Installing solar panels in Scotland can easily be done since it does not require any planning permission beforehand. The cost of solar panels has significantly decreased over the last few years, this makes solar panels accessible to every type of household in Scotland.
Are there any solar panel grants in Scotland in 2023?
In 2023, you will have different kinds of options for solar panel grants in Scotland. These include the Warmer Homes Scotland programme, the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan and the ECO4. For other types of rebates there is the Smart Export Guarantee and the VAT Reduction on installing energy-efficient systems to 0%.
Warmer Homes Scotland
This programme offers funding and support to improve Scottish households that struggle with keeping on top of energy bills. The improvement that will be offered depends on a survey of your home, assessors will recommend improvements, these include heating and a range of insulation as well as renewables.
To be eligible for Warmer Homes Scotland you must meet the qualifying criteria, these include:
- Be a homeowner or the tenant of a private-sector landlord
- Live in a home with a poor energy rating
- Being a recipient of some passport benefits
If you are not eligible for Warmer Homes Scotland you might qualify for the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan. For this you will need to contact Home Energy Scotland and they will assess whether you qualify for funding.
You will need to have a solar panel quote from the installer when submitting an application.
ECO4
For solar panel grants in Scotland there is also the option of the ECO4 scheme. This scheme gives low income households the opportunity of replacing inefficient heating systems. This includes the installation of solar panels.
To be eligible for solar panels through the ECO4 scheme you must meet certain criterias, these include:
- An inefficient heating system within the D-G energy efficiency band.
- Own your home and live in it, or live in private rented accommodation.
- Receiving government benefits (e.g. child benefits or income support)
VAT Reduction and Smart Export Guarantee
In Scotland, you can also benefit from VAT reductions on the installation of energy-efficient systems. In 2023 and until 2027 the VAT on solar panels has been totally scrapped, resulting in savings of up to £1000.
After installing your solar panels in Scotland you can benefit from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). With the SEG, energy companies will offer you export tariffs on surplus energy from your solar panels that you export to the National Grid. Resulting in you earning money on your solar panels
How much do solar panels cost in Scotland?
As solar panels become more and more popular for many people, the cost of solar panels in Scotland will be affected as well. The price of solar panels has experienced a drastic drop over time, and right now it is currently at its lowest historically.
The cost of domestic solar systems has decreased by about 70% since 2010. This is mainly linked to improvements in the technologies applied along the production chain, and to an increased worldwide demand for solar panels.
Information source: https://www.pv-magazine.com/features/investors/module-price-index/
The cost of solar panels in Scotland depends on many factors, such as the size, the type of solar panels, how many solar panels you need and the solar battery price. If you want to know more about these batteries, read our solar batteries guide.
If you want to get in on the low price of solar panels in Scotland you should always compare offers, to make sure you get the best deal. Finding and contacting different installers can be time-consuming and add delays to your project. To help avoid this, we have made the process of finding multiple offers quick and easy for you.
Start the process by clicking the button below, and you will receive up to 4 free quotes from trusted solar panel installers in Scotland.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £729 per year
How much does it cost to fit solar panels in Scotland?
In Scotland, solar panel cost estimation for a 5kW solar panel system, which is the most common size for a household of four people, is £6,000-£7,000. However, defining the precise 5kw solar system price in the UK or other systems is difficult, as it depends on several factors, especially the size of the system.
The size of the system will depend on your energy consumption. A 5kW solar system will on average generate 4,500 kWh of electricity throughout the year. The average household in Scotland consumed just around 4,000 kWh in 2020.
If you know your household does not use much electricity, a 4kW solar panel system with a battery may be the better option for you. If your household uses more, like if you’re charging an electric vehicle you may need a bigger system.
3kW system 4kW system 5kW system 6kW system Can I get free solar panels in Scotland?
It is no longer possible to get free solar panels in Scotland. During the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme, some companies offered to install solar panels in exchange for the payment from the FIT (which would typically go to the homeowners).
However, as mentioned other solar panel schemes and grants exist, both regionally and nationally, to help in the transition from fossil sources to renewable energy, and save money.
In addition, the price of solar panels has greatly decreased in the last few years, making solar systems more easily accessible to most.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels Scotland?
As with solar panels in Wales and the rest of the UK, there is generally no need for planning permission when you install a solar panel system in Scotland, as long as they’re below a certain size. For the specific size, you should consult your local planning officer.
If your home is a listed building, in a conservation area or a World Heritage Site, then you should also consult your local planning officer, there might be some extra precautions you need to take.
How do I find the best solar panel installers in Scotland?
Finding a good solar panel installer in Scotland can be time-consuming and difficult. Many factors need to be considered like the type of company you choose. There are national companies, regional companies and local installers to pick and choose from.
Each kind of company has different benefits like local installers knowing your area and providing a more personal service, with the larger companies having more installers and the ability to offer more kinds of deals.
If you want to make the process a lot easier you should let us help you. Instead of spending hours on end finding installers, collecting quotes and then comparing them, complete our simple form and we will match you with up to 4 licensed installers. They will give you their offers and you just need to pick the best one. This will save you time and energy. Our service is completely free and with no obligation.
Click the button below to begin the short process.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £729 per year
Frequently Asked Questions
We strive to connect our customers with the right product and supplier. Would you like to be part of GreenMatch? - Solar Panels in Scotland in 2023
- Are solar panels worth having in Scotland?
- Are there any solar panel grants in Scotland in 2023?
- How much do solar panels cost in Scotland?
- Do I need planning permission for solar panels Scotland?
- How do I find the best solar panel installers in Scotland?
- Frequently Asked Questions