Last updated: 28 October 2026
Solar panels and battery storage in Edinburgh
Quick answer
We arrange solar panel and battery storage surveys across Edinburgh and the Lothians, including Livingston, Dunfermline, Bathgate, Dalkeith and North Berwick. The survey covers your roof, electrical setup and usage, and the quote carries no obligation.
Key facts
- Edinburgh has stone-built Victorian villas, Georgian terraces and new-build estates — each with different roof structures.
- Listed buildings and conservation areas may have planning considerations — the survey can flag these.
- South-facing roofs are ideal, but east-west orientations can work with a battery to capture morning and afternoon sun.
- Edinburgh is drier and sunnier than Glasgow, typically receiving slightly more peak sun hours (last updated October 2026).
- 0% VAT on solar panels and home battery storage runs until 31 March 2027.
- Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status.
Last updated: 28 October 2026
What kind of roofs work for solar in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh's housing ranges from Georgian and Victorian stone terraces in the city centre to post-war estates in Craigmillar and modern developments around the bypass and in Livingston. Stone-built villas in areas like Morningside and Corstorphine often have large, solid roof planes that are well suited to solar panels. The survey checks orientation, pitch, structural condition and shading from chimneys or neighbouring buildings.
Can I put solar panels on a listed building in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has a high proportion of listed buildings and conservation areas. Planning rules can affect what is permissible — particularly in the World Heritage Site and conservation areas like the New Town and Old Town. The survey can flag potential planning considerations, and we recommend checking with Edinburgh City Council's planning department. Internal alterations for inverters and batteries may also need listed building consent.
Is battery storage worth it in Edinburgh?
A battery lets you store surplus daytime generation for the evening or charge from the grid on a cheaper overnight tariff. Edinburgh households on smart tariffs can benefit from shifting consumption to off-peak hours, and a battery makes that practical without changing when you use appliances. The survey assesses your usage pattern and available space for a battery.
How does Edinburgh's climate compare for solar?
Edinburgh is on the drier east coast and typically receives slightly more sunshine than Glasgow, though both are productive in summer. The long Scottish summer days mean generation from May to August is strong, and a battery helps carry surplus into the darker months. Winter generation is lower across Scotland, which is why solar paired with battery storage and a smart tariff is the recommended combination.
Arrange your Edinburgh survey
Tell us about your property and we'll arrange a no-obligation survey.
Nearby areas we also cover
Livingston, Dunfermline, Bathgate, Dalkeith, Haddington, North Berwick, and across the Lothians and Fife.
See Fife area page →Frequently asked questions
Can I put solar panels on a listed building in Edinburgh?
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Is Edinburgh sunny enough for solar panels?
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Do you cover Livingston and Dunfermline?
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Is there 0% VAT on solar in Edinburgh?
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Reviewed by the Scottish Energy Efficiency team. Last updated: 28 October 2026.
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Costs & VAT
How pricing works and 0% VAT until March 2027.
Read more →How It Works
From survey to installation through MCS-certified partners.
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