Solar panels in Inverness
£3,390 to £10,860 installed, 1,261 hours of sun a year, and 13,409 installations already in the council area.
What a system costs in Inverness
3kWp
£3,390–£4,690
Saves up to £373 a year. Pays back in about 11 years.
4kWp (most common)
£5,000–£7,100
Saves up to £595 a year. Pays back in about 10 years.
6kWp
£7,630–£10,860
Saves up to £878 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.
Inverness in numbers
Published statistics for the Highland council area, not our estimates.
At the end of 2025 there were 13,409 solar PV installations in the Highland council area, about 116.8 for every 1,000 households, with 50.7 MW of capacity between them. The count covers every size of installation, on homes and businesses. An estimated 63% of homes in the Highland council area are rated EPC D to G.
| Highland council area | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV installations (all sizes) | 13,409 (116.8 per 1,000 households) | DESNZ, end of 2025 |
| Homes rated EPC D to G (survey estimate) | 63% | Scottish House Condition Survey 2022 to 2024 |
| Households on mains gas heating only | 35.1% | Scotland's Census 2022, NRS |
| Electricity network operator | SSEN Distribution (North Scotland) | NESO licence area boundaries |
Inverness is served by SSEN Distribution, the electricity network operator for North 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 Highland council area, which covers Inverness, not Home Energy Quotes estimates. Sources checked 6 October 2026.
Is Inverness a good place for solar panels?
Inverness receives an average of 1261 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).
Inverness has a population of 47,000, and the area falls within the Scotland region. We recommend getting at least 3 quotes to compare prices.
Find Installers in Inverness
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 Inverness
- Qualifications — check the installer holds relevant qualifications and certifications for solar panels before signing any contract
- Local references — ask for completed jobs in Inverness or Highland
- 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 Inverness
How much do solar panels cost in Inverness?
How many solar panel installations are there in Inverness?
Is there a grant for solar panels in Inverness?
Solar panels in Inverness 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 Inverness?
Do I need planning permission in Inverness?
How do I find a good installer in Inverness?
Get quotes for your roof in Inverness
Up to three approved installers who cover Inverness may contact you. Free, no obligation.
Inverness 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.