Question 1

How accurate is the solar savings calculator for Scotland?

Accepted Answer

The savings calculator uses real irradiance data for each Scottish city — Edinburgh 1,350 kWh/m²/yr, Glasgow 1,300, Aberdeen 1,280, Dundee 1,320, Inverness 1,200 — combined with current electricity prices and typical self-consumption rates. Results are estimates; your actual saving depends on roof orientation, shading, household usage pattern and whether you add battery storage. Scottish Energy Efficiency provides a personalised written estimate at every free survey. Call 0141 230 0198.

Question 2

How do I work out how many solar panels I need in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

A rough guide: aim for a system that generates 90–110% of your annual electricity consumption. A typical Scottish home uses 3,100–4,000 kWh/year. A 4kWp system in Edinburgh generates approximately 3,412 kWh/year — a good match for most homes. Our system size calculator adjusts the recommendation by city to account for local irradiance. Call 0141 230 0198 for a precise PVGIS-based assessment.

Question 3

Are solar panels worth it in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

Yes — modern solar panels work effectively even in Scotland's climate. A 4kWp system in Edinburgh typically generates 3,412 kWh/yr, saving around £950/year on bills. With the Smart Export Guarantee adding ~£300–450/yr via Octopus Flux, the average payback is 8–10 years, with a 25-year net return of £20,000+.

Question 4

What solar grants are available in Scotland in 2026?

Accepted Answer

In 2026: (1) 0% VAT on solar PV until 31 March 2027 — saving you ~10% on installation costs. (2) Smart Export Guarantee via Octopus Intelligent Flux — ~30p/kWh for exported electricity. (3) HES heat pump grant: £7,500 + £7,500 loan. (4) HES rural uplift: +£1,500. Note: the HES Solar PV Grant stopped in June 2024.

Question 5

What's the difference between the savings calculator and payback calculator?

Accepted Answer

The savings calculator shows your annual bill saving, annual SEG earnings and 25-year projection based on your city and system size. The payback calculator focuses specifically on how many years it takes for your total savings to equal the system cost — a single clear metric for financial planning.

Question 6

What does the irradiance data tool show?

Accepted Answer

The irradiance tool shows the solar energy hitting a horizontal surface per square metre per year (kWh/m²/yr) for each Scottish city. It includes a monthly profile showing the seasonal variation, plus the expected annual generation from a 4kWp system. Higher irradiance = more generation = faster payback.

Question 7

How much does a 4kWp solar system cost in Scotland in 2026?

Accepted Answer

A 4kWp solar PV system installed by Scottish Energy Efficiency costs from £6,200 including 0% VAT (valid until 31 March 2027). A 4kWp system in Edinburgh generates approximately 3,412 kWh/year, saving around £950/year on bills. Call 0141 230 0198 for a free survey and exact quote.

Question 8

What is the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and how much does Octopus pay?

Accepted Answer

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires licensed electricity suppliers to pay you for surplus electricity your solar panels export to the grid. Standard SEG rates pay 4–15p/kWh. Octopus Intelligent Flux pays approximately 30p/kWh during off-peak periods — one of the highest available rates. Our SEG calculator estimates your annual earnings by city and system size.

Question 9

Do I need planning permission for solar panels in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, solar panels are permitted development in Scotland and do not require planning permission. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, and National Park properties. Scottish Energy Efficiency handles all planning enquiries as part of the free survey service.

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