Solar panels in Edinburgh
£3,430 to £10,860 installed, 1,372 hours of sun a year, and 10,985 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Edinburgh
3kWp
£3,430–£4,710
Saves up to £360 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,160–£6,880
Saves up to £613 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
6kWp
£7,610–£10,860
Saves up to £857 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
Source: Home Energy Quotes Cost Index, costs modelled March 2026, savings at the October to December 2026 price cap. Prices are estimates and include installation and VAT. Actual costs may vary.
Edinburgh in numbers
Published statistics for the City of Edinburgh council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 10,985 solar PV installations in the City of Edinburgh council area, about 44.4 for every 1,000 households, with 34.4 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. An estimated 40% of homes in the City of Edinburgh council area are rated EPC D to G.
| City of Edinburgh council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 10,985 (44.4 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes rated EPC D to G (survey estimate) | 40% | Scottish House Condition Survey 2022 to 2024 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 79.1% | Scotland's Census 2022, NRS |
| Electricity network operator | SP Energy Networks (South and Central Scotland) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Edinburgh is served by SP Energy Networks, the electricity network operator for South and Central Scotland. Solar panels have to be registered with the network operator. Your installer normally does this: smaller systems are notified after installation, and larger ones need approval before work starts.
These are published official statistics for the City of Edinburgh council area, which covers Edinburgh, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Edinburgh a good place for solar panels?
Edinburgh receives an average of 1372 hours of sunshine per year — below the UK average of 1,493 hours, though solar panels still generate meaningful power. Combined with Scotland’s energy prices tracking the UK average, solar panels installations here may offer good value (individual results will vary).
Edinburgh has a population of 524,000, and the area falls within the Scotland region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Edinburgh
We recommend getting at least 3 quotes from qualified installers before making a decision. Check reviews, ask for local references, and make sure warranties are clearly stated in writing.
What to check before hiring an installer in Edinburgh
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Edinburgh or Midlothian
- Reviews — check online reviews before committing
- Warranty — product and workmanship warranties should be clearly stated in writing
- 3 quotes minimum — we recommend comparing at least three quotes to ensure you get a fair price
Questions about solar panels in Edinburgh
How much do solar panels cost in Edinburgh?
How many solar panel installations are there in Edinburgh?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Edinburgh?
Solar panels in Edinburgh qualify for 0% VAT until March 2027. In Great Britain, the Smart Export Guarantee pays for surplus electricity you export to the grid, at a rate each supplier sets.
How long is the payback period in Edinburgh?
Do I need planning permission in Edinburgh?
How do I find a good installer in Edinburgh?
Get quotes for your roof in Edinburgh
Up to three approved installers who cover Edinburgh may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Edinburgh on the map
Solar Panels in nearby towns
Last reviewed: . Costs are modelled estimates from the Home Energy Quotes Cost Index — see how we calculate them. Grant rates are checked against GOV.UK.