What finance is available for solar in Scotland?
Interest-free credit up to £30,000 is available, subject to status. It covers solar panels, battery storage, and the combined systems most Scottish homes install. Finance is arranged and provided by our authorised partners — FCA-authorised finance providers — not by Scottish Energy Efficiency. We help you understand the terms, but the credit agreement is between you and the finance provider.
How does interest-free credit work?
You receive a written, itemised quote for your system first. If you choose to use finance, the provider runs a status check and, if approved, sets up a monthly payment plan. You spread the cost of the system over an agreed term with no interest added — subject to status and the partner's terms.
1. Written quote
We survey your home and give you a fixed, itemised quote first.
2. Status check
The finance partner runs a status check on your circumstances.
3. Monthly plan
If approved, you spread the cost interest-free over an agreed term.
Does 0% VAT apply if I use finance?
Yes. 0% VAT on solar panels and batteries applies until 31 March 2027 regardless of whether you pay upfront or use finance. It is applied automatically to the system price — there is no form to fill in. Finance simply spreads the VAT-free cost over monthly payments. After 31 March 2027 the rate is scheduled to return to 5%.
How much can I borrow?
You can borrow up to £30,000 interest-free, subject to status. Most standard residential solar and battery systems fall well within this limit — a 6kWp system with a 5kWh battery starts from £9,500, for example. The exact amount you can borrow depends on the finance partner's assessment. See our cost of solar panels Scotland page for system pricing.
Do I have to use finance?
No. Finance is completely optional. Many customers pay upfront. We always provide a written, itemised quote first, and you decide whether to pay upfront or spread the cost. There is no obligation to proceed at any stage. Learn how the survey and quote process works on our how it works page.
Who provides the finance?
Finance is arranged and provided by our authorised partners, not by Scottish Energy Efficiency, a trading name of Scot Energy Efficiency Ltd (company number 17408629). The partner is an FCA-authorised finance provider. We help you understand the terms, but the credit agreement is between you and the finance provider. Your survey quote is separate from any finance decision.