Solar panels & battery buyer's guide for Scotland

Step 1: Check your roof before you do anything else

Your roof is the single most important factor. Look at its orientation — south-facing is ideal, but east-west roofs still generate useful electricity. Check for shading from chimneys, trees, neighbouring buildings and dormer windows. Look at the pitch — most Scottish roofs are between 30 and 45 degrees, which works well. Check the condition of your roof and your electrical consumer unit, because both may need updating as part of the installation.

Step 2: Understand your energy usage

Pull your last year of electricity bills and work out your average daily consumption in kWh. This tells the surveyor what size system you need. If you use most of your electricity in the evening, a battery is essential. If you are home during the day, you will use more of your generation directly. Knowing your usage helps the surveyor size the system and battery correctly.

Step 3: Decide whether you need a battery

A battery is strongly recommended for most Scottish homes because it lets you use your daytime generation in the evening and overnight. Without a battery, you export surplus generation to the grid and buy it back in the evening. With a battery, you store and use your own electricity. The survey recommends a battery size based on your usage, but understanding why you need one helps you make an informed decision.

Step 4: Get a proper survey — not just an online estimate

Online estimators are useful for a rough idea, but a real survey is essential for an accurate quote. The surveyor visits your home, measures your roof, checks orientation and shading, inspects your electrical setup, and reviews your energy bills. Only then can you get a quote that reflects your actual home rather than a generic estimate. Our surveys are no-obligation.

Step 5: Ask the right questions when you get your quote

When you receive a quote, ask: Is the installer MCS-certified? What exactly is included — panels, battery, inverter, scaffolding, wiring? What is the total cost? What do I own? How does the warranty work? What are the finance terms if I want to spread the cost? How long will installation take? A good quote answers all of these clearly, and ours does.

Step 6: Compare your options

If you have more than one quote, compare like for like: the same system size, the same battery capacity, the same scope of work. Check whether scaffolding and electrical upgrades are included. Compare the total amount payable, not just the monthly figure. And check that the installer is MCS-certified — it is the recognised UK quality standard for small-scale renewable installations.

Step 7: Understand finance before you sign

If you are spreading the cost, understand the terms before you commit. Interest-free credit up to £30,000 is available, subject to status and affordability. Check the total amount payable, the monthly amount, the number of payments, and whether there are any fees. You should be able to compare the finance option against paying in full and choose what suits you. There is no obligation to use finance.

Checklist: what to ask before you proceed

• Is the installer MCS-certified?
• What is included in the quote — panels, battery, inverter, scaffolding, wiring?
• What is the total cost and what do I own?
• How does the warranty work?
• What are the finance terms if I want to spread the cost?
• How long will installation take?
• Is there any obligation?