Solar Panels & Home Energy in Edinburgh

Yes. Many Edinburgh tenements have suitable south-facing or east/west-facing roofs. Installation requires agreement from other owners, usually obtained via your factor. We handle shared roof negotiations regularly and provide template agreements. Top-floor owners have the most straightforward access but shared arrangements can benefit the whole building.

Solar panel prices in Edinburgh are the same as the rest of Scotland: from £4,500 for a 3kWp system to £12,500+ for a 6kWp system with 9.5kWh battery. All prices include 0% VAT (until March 2027), MCS certification, and full installation. Conservation area properties may have minor additional costs for planning support, though this is usually included in our standard service.

Edinburgh homeowners can access: 0% VAT on solar, battery, and heat pumps (automatic, until March 2027); Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) for solar export income (6-30p/kWh, ongoing); HES Grant for heat pumps (up to £7,500 grant + £7,500 loan, active); and ECO4 for qualifying low-income households (extended to December 2026). Note: HES stopped its solar PV grant in June 2024.

Edinburgh receives approximately 990 kWh/kWp/year of solar irradiance, roughly 90% of London's. A 4.5kWp system in Edinburgh generates approximately 4,200-4,500 kWh/year. Scotland's cooler temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to warmer regions, partially offsetting shorter winter days.

Listed buildings (Category A, B, or C) require Listed Building Consent before installing solar panels. The key factor is visual impact. Panels on rear-facing roofs or less prominent elevations are more likely to be approved. We provide guidance on the consent process and design systems that balance energy generation with heritage requirements.

Yes. Air source heat pumps are suitable for most Edinburgh properties including detached, semi-detached, and some terraced homes. For tenement flats, ground source or shared heat pump systems may be considered. The HES Grant provides up to £7,500 (plus £7,500 interest-free loan) towards installation. We assess suitability during your free survey.

Solar installation takes 1-2 days on-site. Where conservation area planning consent is needed, add 6-8 weeks for the application. Total time from enquiry to switch-on is typically 4-10 weeks (standard) or 10-16 weeks (if planning required). Heat pump installation takes 2-4 days on-site, with 8-16 weeks total including HES Grant application.

We cover all Edinburgh postcodes: EH1-EH17, EH22, EH25-EH28, and surrounding Lothian areas. This includes City Centre, Leith, Portobello, Corstorphine, Morningside, Stockbridge, Cramond, South Queensferry, Musselburgh, Dalkeith, Penicuik, Bonnyrigg, and all surrounding villages.

Yes. We have extensive experience working with Edinburgh factors and managing shared owner agreements for roof access. We provide template consent letters, attend factor meetings if needed, and handle all the administrative requirements of tenement installations. This is included in our standard service at no extra cost.