Solar panels in Edinburgh: planning, grid and output

Start with planning

Planning is often the first question, so we start there. Scotland has its own rules. However, England’s August 2026 changes do not apply north of the border.

The Scottish Government’s mygov.scot page sets a one metre limit. Additions to a home are fine if they reach out no more than a metre from where they attach. In a conservation area these additions need planning permission. A listed home needs listed building consent as well.

Your planning authority is the City of Edinburgh Council. We do not list local streets or areas, because we have not checked council maps. Because maps change, ask the council whether your address sits in a conservation area or has a listing.

Flats need extra thought, since many city homes share a roof or a stair. You may need other owners to agree. Our post on planning permission for solar panels sets out how England, Scotland and Wales differ. It also covers conservation areas, listed buildings and flats.

What your roof can make

Next, look at output. The European Commission’s PVGIS model gives about 903 kWh a year per kWp for Edinburgh. That is for a south-facing roof at 35 degrees, using the tool’s default 14% losses.

At the best tilt, 42 degrees, the model shows about 908 kWh per kWp. So the angle matters little within this range.

Direction and shade have a bigger effect. A roof that faces east or west makes less in total than a south one. Likewise, a chimney or a tall neighbour can cut output well below the model.

For example, a 3 kWp system would make around 3 x 903, or 2,709 kWh a year. Think of this as a modelled estimate that helps you compare quotes. It is not a promise, because real years vary with the weather.

Winter output is lower, yet it is not zero. Our post on solar panels in winter looks at seasonal output, snow and short days. Read it before you judge a quote on annual figures alone. Most of a system’s power comes in the lighter months.

Value deserves a quick check too. Ofgem’s price cap from October to December 2026 averages 26.32p per kWh for electricity, though your tariff and region may differ. Power you use from your own roof is power you do not buy. Meanwhile, exported power earns whatever your chosen supplier offers.

The grid link

The operator for Edinburgh in our data is SP Energy Networks, through its SP Distribution area for central and southern Scotland. The operator must be told about your system, and under MCS rules your installer does that.

Which route you take depends on size. MIS 3002 points systems up to 16 A per phase to G98, and larger ones to G99. Because the 16 A limit counts every generator, adding a battery can change the answer.

Under G98, a National Grid page describes notifying the operator within 28 days of commissioning. G99 involves more steps, so ask for a written timeline.

Choosing who fits it

Look for a firm certified by MCS, the UK quality mark for small-scale renewables. GOV.UK says you need MCS or an equivalent to claim Smart Export Guarantee payments. You can search the MCS site to check a business. Exports also need a meter that gives half-hourly readings, which is typically a smart meter, so ask your supplier early.

Then ask about the Renewable Energy Consumer Code. Its members must insure deposits, stage payments and workmanship warranties. That protects you if a firm stops trading.

Funding works differently in Scotland. Home Energy Scotland lists only solar PV-T systems for funding. Do not assume it will pay for standard panels.

Expect a roof check too. MIS 3002 says a suitably competent person must check that the roof structure can take the load. Ask to see that check in writing.

Gather three or more quotes, because prices and designs differ. Compare them on kWp, kit, warranty and who does the grid paperwork. Our solar panel installation guide lists the points to cover. Our solar panel costs guide explains what government data shows on price.

If you are weighing up the west coast, our page on solar panels in Glasgow shows how its figures compare. When you are ready, request quotes and, with your consent, we will pass your enquiry to an MCS-certified installer.