Solar and battery buyer’s guide for Scottish homes

Step 1: Check your roof before you do anything else

Before you ask for a survey, take a look at your roof. Which direction does it face? South is ideal, but east-west roofs can also work well — a battery can store midday surplus from a south-facing array, or balance morning and afternoon generation from an east-west split. What is the pitch? In Scotland, a roof pitch of around 30–40 degrees is typical and works well for solar. Are there chimneys, dormer windows or trees that cast shadows? All of this matters, and a proper survey will check every one of these factors.

Step 2: Understand your household energy usage

The right system size depends on how much electricity your household uses and when you use it. If you use most of your electricity in the evening, a larger battery lets you store daytime generation for when you need it. If you are home during the day, you will use more of what the panels generate directly. Gather a year of electricity bills or smart meter data before the survey so the system can be sized to your actual life, not a guess.

Step 3: Decide whether you need a battery

Solar panels without a battery export surplus generation to the grid. With a battery, you store that surplus and use it yourself, which is almost always better value. A battery also lets you charge from the grid on a cheaper overnight tariff, which is valuable during winter when generation is low. The survey assesses your usage pattern and available space to recommend the right battery capacity.

Step 4: Compare quotes the right way

When you receive a quote, check that it includes the panels, the inverter, the battery (if you are having one), all electrical work, mounting systems, scaffolding and labour. Check that 0% VAT has been applied where eligible. Ask what standard the installation will be carried out to — MCS certification is the recognised industry standard. Ask about warranties on the panels, the inverter and the battery, and ask what happens if something needs attention after installation.

Step 5: Think about the smart tariff

Once your system is installed, the right electricity tariff makes a real difference. Some tariffs offer cheaper rates at night, which lets you charge your battery from the grid when prices are low. Others pay you for exporting surplus solar. The best tariff depends on how much you generate, how much you use, and when you use it. We explain the options as part of the process so you can choose a tariff that matches your system.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Buying without a proper survey. Satellite estimates and phone quotes cannot assess roof structure, shading or your electrical setup. A physical survey is the only way to get a system that actually fits your home.
• Undersizing the battery. A battery that is too small means you export surplus generation instead of using it. A battery that is too large costs more without adding proportional value. The survey recommends the right capacity for your usage.
• Ignoring the tariff. The right smart tariff can make a significant difference to the value of your system, especially in winter when you are drawing more from the grid.
• Feeling pressured. A reputable survey and quote carry no obligation. If you feel pressured to decide on the day, that is a warning sign.
• Forgetting about VAT. 0% VAT on solar panels and home battery storage runs until 31 March 2027. Make sure your quote reflects this.