Solar panels

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity you can use in your home. Learn more about how solar panels work and if they're suitable for you.

Solar panels on a roof

How do solar PV panels work?

By installing solar panels, you can generate your own renewable electricity. You can also use them alongside other renewable technologies, like heat pumps. Install an energy storage system, and you can capture excess energy generated to use at a time that suits you.

Benefits of solar panels in Scotland

There are many benefits to installing solar panels in Scotland.

  • Cut your electricity bills. Sunlight is free; your electricity costs will reduce once you’ve paid for solar panel installation.
  • Reduce your carbon footprint. Solar electricity is low-carbon, renewable energy. A typical home solar PV system could save up to a tonne of carbon per year, depending on where you live in Scotland.

Solar panel costs and savings

The size of the solar panel array your home requires influences the amount you'll pay for a solar PV system. Access difficulties to your roof may add to costs.

Other price variables include whether you choose panels or tiles and whether you opt for building-integrated panels or panels that sit on top of your roof.

Panels on top of the roof are the cheapest option, while tiles are the most expensive for the equivalent system.

Solar PV diverters

You can also make savings by installing a solar PV diverter switch. Instead of sending surplus electricity to the grid, a PV diverter switch can power your hot water tank's immersion heater, storing hot water for later use. Excess solar energy is unlikely to meet all your hot water needs, but it can help reduce your bills.

Smart Export Guarantee

Smart Export Guarantee explained

Sometimes, the electricity you generate will be more than you can use or store. If you register for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), you can receive payments for any excess energy you generate and send back to the grid. The savings from solar PV with the SEG are considerably higher than without.

Energy storage

Guide to storing energy

One way to make the most of solar panels is to combine them with an energy storage system. An energy storage system captures the excess energy you generate and saves it for later use. The most common energy storage systems include electric batteries, heat batteries, and thermal stores like hot water tanks.

Energy Saving Trust provides useful advice on the types of energy storage systems, how they work, and installation benefits.

Maintenance

Guide to solar panels

Solar PV systems need little maintenance; ask your installer for the exact upkeep requirements before installing solar panels. Advice on solar PV panel maintenance is available via Energy Saving Trust.

Solar panel case studies

On the Green Homes Network, you can read case studies of homeowners who’ve installed solar panels in Scotland.

Funding for solar panels in Scotland

Funding for solar photovoltaics (PV) and energy storage systems is not available from the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan, but find out what funding is available for other energy efficiency and clean heating measures.