Solar Panels in Edinburgh
Solar panels on Edinburgh homes
Edinburgh has Georgian terraces in the New Town. Leith and Bruntsfield have tall tenements, and Corstorphine has post-war semis. Many roofs are slate-covered and steep. Some sit behind parapets, which can help or hinder.
The city's long summer days help generation, and panels run on daylight. Winter output is lower than in the south of England. A survey that models shade from chimneys and neighbours is worth having.
Housing across Edinburgh
Leith, Bruntsfield and Stockbridge have many tenements, and Stockbridge also has Georgian streets in a conservation area. Morningside mixes tenements with villas, while Portobello has Victorian terraces and seafront houses. Because the seafront is exposed, ask about wind-rated fixings there.
Corstorphine has interwar bungalows and semis with simple roofs. These often suit solar well. In contrast, the central areas need heritage checks before any work starts.
Conservation areas, tenements and the grid
The Old and New Towns form a World Heritage Site. Large parts of the city are also conservation areas. Panels there often need tighter checks, so ask City of Edinburgh Council before you order. Listed buildings need consent.
Scotland has its own planning rules. In a tenement, the roof usually counts as shared property. Check your title deeds, and talk to your neighbours and factor.
Because SP Energy Networks runs the local grid, your installer files the connection paperwork.
Costs and support in Scotland
VAT on fitting is 0% until 31 March 2027. Export income comes through the Smart Export Guarantee. Home Energy Scotland advises on grants and loans. However, the rules have changed several times, so ask what covers solar today.
If you want to store spare power, read our guide on whether solar batteries are worth it. Our page on battery storage systems explains the options.
Getting quotes in Edinburgh
Send your postcode and roof details through the form. We are not an installer. We pass your enquiry to MCS-certified installers that cover Edinburgh and the Lothians. You then compare written quotes.
While you compare quotes, read about solar panel installation for the full process. Nearby, see solar panels in Glasgow. You can also read about solar panels in Newcastle.
Edinburgh solar: common questions
Can I fit solar panels in Edinburgh's New Town?
Possibly, but heritage rules are tighter. Ask City of Edinburgh Council before you order, because listed buildings and conservation areas need extra consent.
Can I fit solar panels on an Edinburgh tenement?
Possibly, because the roof is usually shared property. Check your title deeds and agree the plan with your neighbours and factor.
Does Edinburgh get enough light for solar?
Yes. Panels run on daylight and long summer days help. Output across the year is lower than in southern England, so roof direction matters more.
Who runs the electricity network in Edinburgh?
Because SP Energy Networks runs the grid in Edinburgh, your installer handles the connection paperwork.
Are Corstorphine's semis good for solar?
Often yes, because many have simple roofs that are easy to fit. Direction and shade still decide the result, so ask for a survey.
Can you find installers in the Lothians?
Yes. Send your postcode and we match you with MCS-certified installers that cover Edinburgh and the surrounding Lothians.
Get matched with installers in Edinburgh
Share your postcode and a few details, and we will pass your enquiry to MCS-certified installers who cover your area.