Scottish solar, battery & heat pump buyer's guide

What should I check before getting solar panels in Scotland?

Start with your roof: which way it faces, how much shade it gets, and its condition. South-facing roofs generate the most electricity, but east-west roofs are also viable. Check for shading from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings. You should also look at your electricity usage — knowing roughly how much you use helps the surveyor propose the right system size.

Scottish homes typically have slate or concrete tile roofs, both of which are suitable for solar panel mounting. If your roof is very old or damaged, it may need repairs before installation. The survey will assess this.

Do solar panels work well in Scotland?

Yes. Scotland has less solar irradiance than southern England, particularly in winter, but solar panels generate electricity from daylight — not just direct sunlight. Panels continue to produce electricity on overcast days, and Scotland's cooler temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency compared to very hot conditions. A typical Scottish solar panel system generates the most electricity from April to September, with lower but still useful output from October to March.

Should I add battery storage?

A battery stores surplus electricity your panels generate during the day for use in the evening or at night. Without a battery, surplus electricity is typically exported to the grid. Whether a battery makes sense depends on when you use electricity: if you are home during the day, you may use most of what your panels generate. If you are out during the day, a battery can significantly increase the proportion of your solar electricity you actually use.

You can also compare home batteries to see the options available. The survey and quote will help you decide whether a battery is right for your situation.

Is my home suitable for an air source heat pump?

Air source heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes with a wet central heating system (radiators or underfloor heating). The survey will assess your insulation, your current heating system, and whether you have outdoor space for the unit. Heat pumps are particularly good replacements for oil, LPG or direct electric heating. If you have solar panels, you can use the electricity they generate to power the heat pump.

What questions should I ask before proceeding?

• What exactly is included in the quote — equipment, installation, commissioning, scaffolding?
• How long will the installation take?
• What warranty or guarantee comes with the equipment and the installation?
• Is the installer MCS-certified?
• What finance options are available, and what are the terms?
• What happens after installation — is there aftercare or support?

How do I compare solar, battery and heat pump options?

Every home is different, so the best way to compare is through a no-obligation survey and quote. The survey assesses your property's suitability, and the quote sets out exactly what is included. We do not publish prices or savings figures on this website because they depend on your individual circumstances.

Checklist: what to do before you get a quote

1. Check your roof — orientation, shading, and condition.
2. Review your electricity bills — how much do you use, and when?
3. Consider your heating system — is it gas, oil, electric or LPG?
4. Think about your insulation — loft, walls, windows.
5. Check your outdoor space — for a heat pump unit or ground-mounted solar.
6. Note your postcode — we need this to arrange the survey.
7. Prepare questions — use the list above.