Question 1

Is there a grant for solar panels in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no general grant for solar panels on their own in Scotland. Some means-tested schemes exist for lower-income households, and we will tell you honestly if you might qualify. Solar panels and batteries have 0% VAT until 31 March 2027. Loans available, subject to status.

Question 2

Does solar work in Perth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Perth sits inland in the Tay valley — sheltered and among the drier parts of Scotland for its latitude. A south-facing 4kWp array in the Tay valley produces around 3,300–3,800 kWh a year. The long summer days (over 17 hours of daylight at midsummer) more than compensate for the short winter ones.

Question 3

Do I need planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Solar panels on a domestic roof are generally permitted development in Scotland. However, if your home is in a conservation area (Perth Central, Kinnoull, Bridgend, Scone, Dunkeld, Pitlochry among others) or is a listed building, panels visible from the street may need planning or listed-building consent. This is checked at survey.

Question 4

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

A typical solar panel installation takes one to two days. Adding a battery adds roughly half a day. Heat pump installations take longer — usually two to four days depending on the property. Timing is confirmed at survey.

Question 5

What happens to the power I don’t use?

Accepted Answer

Surplus electricity is exported to the grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee, your energy supplier pays you for each unit exported, at a rate set by each energy supplier. A battery lets you store surplus power to use in the evening instead of exporting it.

Question 6

Who actually installs it?

Accepted Answer

We install through MCS-certified partners. Solar Panels Perth prepares your quote, and the survey and installation are carried out by one of those partners.

Question 7

Will solar panels work on a slate roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Slate is one of the most common roofing materials in Perth, especially on the Victorian and Edwardian properties in Kinnoull, Craigie and Bridgend. Our installation partners use roof hooks that sit under the slates — no drilling through them. The fixing method is specified per roof at survey.

Question 8

What about wind on exposed Perthshire roofs?

Accepted Answer

Glen-side and hill-farm roofs — Glen Almond, Strathardle, above Comrie and Crieff — carry higher wind loading. Our installation partners specify wind-rated mounting rails for these sites. The survey assesses exposure and the mounting system is designed accordingly.

Question 9

What panels and inverter do you specify?

Accepted Answer

We specify Jinko Tiger Neo panels and SolarEdge HD-Wave inverters. These are named in your written proposal and are not substituted without your agreement. Warranty and guarantee terms are confirmed in writing on your quotation.

Question 10

Where does the battery go?

Accepted Answer

The battery is typically wall-mounted in a garage, utility room or cupboard. It needs a dry, temperature-controlled space. Placement is assessed at survey and the location is agreed with you before installation.

Question 11

Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A battery can be retrofitted to most existing solar installations. Your existing inverter and wiring are checked at survey. Retrofit pricing depends on the battery size and any electrical work needed, and is confirmed on your written quote.

Question 12

Is there a grant for heat pumps in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

We do not promise any grant for a heat pump. Some means-tested schemes exist for lower-income households, and we will tell you honestly if you might qualify. A survey sizes the system for your home, and the price is confirmed on your written quote. Loans available, subject to status.

Question 13

What is the Smart Export Guarantee?

Accepted Answer

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) requires licensed energy suppliers to pay you for electricity you export to the grid from a certified renewable installation. Rates are set by each energy supplier. You choose your SEG provider; it does not have to be your existing supplier. MCS certification is required, and we install through MCS-certified partners.

Question 14

What is a Solar iBoost?

Accepted Answer

A Solar iBoost is a hot-water diverter. It sends surplus solar electricity to your immersion heater instead of exporting it. It only works if your home has a hot-water tank. It is the only part of a solar installation that takes money directly off a gas or oil bill — by heating water that would otherwise need the boiler.

Question 15

Will I need scaffolding?

Accepted Answer

Most installations require scaffolding. The cost depends on the height of the property, access and how many elevations need coverage. Scaffolding on a tenement gable end costs more than on a low bungalow. The cost is included in your written quote — never a hidden extra.

Question 16

How old can my roof be?

Accepted Answer

There is no strict age limit, but the roof needs to be structurally sound and weathertight. If the roof needs work in the next five to ten years, it is worth doing that before solar panels go on. The roof condition is assessed at survey, and we will advise if any work is needed first.

Question 17

Do I need to tell my insurer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most home insurance policies require you to notify your insurer of any changes to the property, including solar panels, batteries and heat pumps. This is a notification, not a separate policy — most insurers add it to your existing cover at no additional premium. Do this before installation.

Question 18

How does solar affect my EPC rating?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels typically improve a property’s Energy Performance Certificate rating. The exact improvement depends on the system size and the property. A better EPC can affect property value and is sometimes required for certain mortgage products.

Question 19

Can I add an EV charger later?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An EV charger can be added alongside or after a solar installation. Charging your car from your own solar panels is one of the most effective ways to use the electricity you generate. EV charger options can be discussed at survey or as a separate job.

Question 20

How do I monitor my system?

Accepted Answer

SolarEdge inverters include monitoring through the mySolarEdge app. You can see how much electricity your panels are generating, how much you are using, and how much is being stored or exported — in real time and historically.

Question 21

What if the installer ceases trading?

Accepted Answer

Panel and inverter warranties are with the manufacturers directly and are unaffected by the installer’s trading status. Warranty and guarantee terms are confirmed in writing on your quotation.

Question 22

How much does a system cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your home. The main cost drivers are the size of the system and number of panels, your roof type, pitch and orientation, access and scaffolding, the inverter, whether you add a battery and its capacity, and any electrical upgrades. Your price is confirmed on the written quote after a survey. 0% VAT applies to solar panels and batteries until 31 March 2027.

Question 23

What about flat roofs?

Accepted Answer

Solar panels can be installed on flat roofs using angled mounting frames. The output is slightly different because the panels are tilted to an optimal angle rather than following the roof pitch. Flat roofs are assessed at survey.

Question 24

Can I add more panels later?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Additional panels can be added to an existing system if there is roof space and the inverter can handle the extra capacity. This can be assessed at survey. Adding panels may require a new MCS certificate for the extended system.

Question 25

Is finance available?

Accepted Answer

Loans available, subject to status. Ask us about loans when you request your quote.

Question 26

Can I finance a solar installation?

Accepted Answer

Loans available, subject to status. Ask us about loans when you request your quote.

Question 27

Are solar panel warranties transferable if I sell my home?

Accepted Answer

Panel and inverter manufacturer warranties are usually transferable to the new owner. Check the specific manufacturer terms in your documentation. Warranty and guarantee terms are confirmed in writing on your quotation.

Question 28

Is a battery worth it without solar panels?

Accepted Answer

Rarely. A standalone battery can save money on time-of-use tariffs by charging at cheap overnight rates and discharging during the day, but the savings are modest without solar generation to store. For most Perth homes, a battery makes financial sense as part of a solar-plus-battery system.

Perth solar questions, answered

Getting started

Installation

Costs and savings

Products and specifications

After installation

Glossary

Still have questions? Get in touch.