Solar FAQs
Interested in solar but still have a few questions? You’re not alone. We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions from homeowners in our area to help you make an informed decision. Don’t forget you can contact us if you don’t see your question on here and we’ll do our best to help.
Our Common Solar FAQs
The installation process itself usually takes only one to three days and is completed by a highly skilled team of in-house installers.
The more solar panels you have installed, the more energy they’ll be able to generate for your home. The number of solar panels you’ll need will depend on your energy usage, the number of people in your home and the size of your property. Smaller homes might need a 1kW system, with roof space for 8+ square metres of solar panels, while higher demand can be met with a 4kW system, but that would need 25+ square metres of space on your roof.
You can charge your electric vehicle (EV) with solar panels if you have the right setup. You’ll need a solar PV system and a solar-compatible EV charger, and a solar battery storage system if you want to charge overnight. While there’s an upfront cost to install this equipment, you’ll save money on charging in the long run. Solar charging is a sustainable option, and you’ll avoid the fuel costs associated with traditional gasoline cars.
Solar panel installation in Edinburgh typically costs between £5,000 and £8,000 for a standard domestic system, depending on your home’s size and energy needs. The price is influenced by factors such as roof space, the number of panels required, and whether you include extras like a battery.
- A 3–4 kW system for a typical family home falls within this range.
- Adding battery storage can increase costs by £3,000–£5,000 but improves long-term savings.
- With the 0% VAT on solar installations, you can reduce upfront costs further.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we provide free, no-obligation quotes so you know exactly what to expect. While the upfront investment may feel significant, most households recover their costs in 7–10 years through energy savings, making solar one of the most cost-effective upgrades for Scottish homes.
The number of solar panels required depends on your household’s energy usage, roof size, and the efficiency of the panels. Most Scottish homes need 10–16 panels for a typical 3–4 kW system, which covers much of a family’s energy demand.
- Smaller households may only need 8–10 panels.
- Larger homes or those with EV chargers and heat pumps may require 16–20.
- Each modern panel produces around 350–400 watts of electricity.
Even if your roof can’t accommodate a full system, a smaller array still cuts bills significantly. At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we carry out detailed assessments to design the right-sized system for your property, ensuring maximum efficiency and value.
Modern solar panels are designed to last 25–30 years, with many still producing electricity beyond that. Efficiency declines slightly over time, typically 0.5% per year, but even after 25 years, most panels generate around 85% of their original capacity.
- Most panels come with 25-year performance warranties.
- Inverters may need replacing after 10–15 years.
- Minimal maintenance is required beyond occasional cleaning.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we install high-quality solar panels backed by long warranties, giving you confidence in your investment. With proper care, your system will deliver decades of renewable energy and long-term savings.
Yes, solar panels work well in Scotland, even with our cloudy skies. Panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunshine, so they still produce power in overcast conditions.
- Scotland receives 1,000–1,200 hours of sunshine annually, which is sufficient for solar.
- Modern panels are highly efficient at capturing diffuse light.
- Cooler temperatures actually improve panel efficiency.
Germany, which has a climate similar to Scotland, leads the world in solar energy adoption. At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we’ve installed solar systems on homes across the country, demonstrating that solar power performs reliably in Scottish conditions all year round.
Solar panels do not generate power at night, but they still work on cloudy or rainy days at 10–30% efficiency depending on conditions.
- On sunny days, panels perform at peak capacity.
- On overcast days, they continue contributing to your household’s energy needs.
- Adding battery storage allows you to use solar power at night.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we often recommend pairing solar with a battery system. This combination stores excess daytime energy, giving you round-the-clock benefits and reducing reliance on the grid.
Solar panels require very little maintenance, making them a low-effort investment. Most systems only need occasional checks and cleaning to keep them performing at their best.
- Rain naturally helps keep panels clean, but professional cleaning may be needed every few years if dust or debris builds up.
- Annual inspections can help identify issues early, such as inverter wear or wiring checks.
- Panels are durable and built to withstand harsh Scottish weather.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we offer maintenance and support for the systems we install, ensuring your panels continue running efficiently throughout their lifespan. With minimal upkeep, you can enjoy decades of renewable energy.
Solar panels can save a typical Scottish household between £300 and £600 per year, depending on system size, energy usage, and electricity rates. Homes with battery storage can save even more by using solar energy at night.
- A 4 kW system can offset around 40–50% of a home’s electricity demand.
- With rising energy costs, savings are likely to grow over time.
- Excess electricity can often be sold back to the grid through export tariffs.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we provide tailored savings estimates for every customer, so you know exactly what to expect. Over 25 years, many households save £10,000 or more, making solar a sound long-term investment.
Scottish homeowners can benefit from several incentives that make solar more affordable. Currently, the UK government applies 0% VAT on solar panel installations, cutting upfront costs.
- The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows you to earn money by exporting unused electricity back to the grid.
- Local councils sometimes offer funding or support schemes.
- Certain financing options, like Home Energy Scotland loans, may also be available.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we keep up to date with all available schemes and help customers take advantage of them. Our team can advise on incentives and design a system that maximises your return on investment.
Most solar panel installations take 1 to 3 days, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the property.
- Smaller systems may be completed in a single day.
- Larger systems with battery storage may take longer.
- Installation involves mounting panels, wiring the inverter, and connecting the system to your home.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we handle the entire process, from design and permissions to installation and aftercare. Our experienced team ensures minimal disruption, so you can start generating renewable energy quickly.
In most cases, you do not need planning permission to install solar panels on a residential property in Scotland. Solar is considered “permitted development.”
- Exceptions may apply for listed buildings or properties in conservation areas.
- Panels should not protrude more than 200 mm from the roof surface.
- Ground-mounted panels may require approval depending on size.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we advise on planning rules during your consultation. If permission is needed, we can support the application to make the process straightforward.
Yes, research shows homes with solar panels typically increase in value by around 4%. Buyers are increasingly attracted to energy-efficient properties that offer lower running costs.
- Solar-equipped homes often sell faster than similar homes without them.
- Energy savings and sustainability are appealing to modern buyers.
- Panels with warranties and recent installation dates are especially attractive.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we install high-quality, warrantied systems that not only save money but also add value to your property.
Modern solar panels are very efficient, typically converting 18–22% of sunlight into electricity. This means they produce more power in less space compared to older technology.
- Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient option.
- Scotland’s cooler climate helps panels perform at their best.
- Panel efficiency continues to improve with new technology.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we only install high-performance panels from trusted brands, ensuring maximum efficiency for Scottish homes.
Yes, solar panels can cover most or even all of your electricity needs, depending on system size and usage. A 4 kW system can offset a large proportion of an average home’s energy demand.
- High-usage homes may still need some grid electricity.
- Battery storage allows full use of solar power, even at night.
- Larger systems can cover EV charging and heat pumps.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we design systems to meet your specific needs, whether you want to reduce bills significantly or aim for near energy independence.
Solar panels generate electricity during daylight, while solar batteries store unused energy for later use. Together, they create a round-the-clock renewable system.
- Panels convert sunlight into electricity.
- Batteries capture excess power to use at night or during outages.
- Batteries increase savings and energy independence.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we offer full solar and battery packages, giving you complete control over your home energy use.
The average payback period for solar panels in the UK is 7–10 years, depending on energy usage, system size, and electricity prices.
- Households with high energy use or battery storage may recover costs faster.
- Rising energy prices shorten payback times.
- After payback, all electricity generated is essentially free.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we provide personalised payback estimates during your consultation, so you can see how quickly solar will pay for itself.
Yes, solar panels can be paired with heat pumps and EV chargers, making them an ideal partner for modern, sustainable homes.
- Heat pumps benefit from cheap, renewable electricity.
- EV chargers can be powered during the day or via stored energy in batteries.
- Combining technologies maximises savings and reduces carbon footprints.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we specialise in integrated renewable systems, including heat pumps, solar, and EV charging solutions.
Yes, solar panels can often be installed on older homes, as long as the roof is structurally sound.
- Roof surveys are carried out before installation.
- Some listed buildings may need planning permission.
- Ground-mounted systems are an alternative for unsuitable roofs.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we have experience fitting solar on a wide range of Scottish homes, including older properties.
Most solar panels come with 25-year performance warranties, guaranteeing reliable output over time. Inverters usually have warranties of 10–15 years.
- Warranties cover both performance and product quality.
- Some premium brands offer extended cover.
- Batteries also come with separate warranties.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we only work with trusted manufacturers offering robust warranties, giving you long-term peace of mind.
A roof suitability check considers size, angle, shading, and condition. South-facing roofs are ideal, but east- and west-facing can still work well.
- Roofs in good condition with minimal shading are best.
- Structural strength is assessed before installation.
- Alternatives include ground-mounted systems.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, our team conducts detailed roof surveys to confirm suitability and design the most effective solar system for your home.
Yes, solar panels can often be financed, making them more affordable without a large upfront payment.
- Monthly payments spread the cost over time.
- Savings on bills can help offset finance costs.
- Options vary depending on provider.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we can guide you through financing options, helping you access renewable energy in a way that fits your budget.
Solar panels themselves make no noise, as they have no moving parts. Installation is quick, usually completed in 1–3 days, with minimal disruption.
- Inverters may emit a faint hum but are usually installed in lofts or utility rooms.
- Maintenance is also quiet and unobtrusive.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we ensure smooth installations with minimal disruption, so you can enjoy renewable energy without hassle.
Solar panels significantly reduce your household’s carbon footprint by cutting reliance on fossil fuels.
- A typical system saves 1–2 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
- Over 25 years, that’s 30–50 tonnes of avoided emissions.
- Solar helps the UK move towards net-zero targets.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we are committed to helping Scottish homeowners make greener choices that benefit both the planet and their energy bills.
When choosing a solar installer, look for experience, accreditations, and positive customer reviews.
- Check for MCS certification, which ensures quality standards.
- Look for local installers with proven track records.
- Ask about warranties, aftercare, and support.
At The Edinburgh Boiler Company, we are MCS-certified, award-winning, and trusted across Scotland. With hundreds of positive reviews, we’re proud to be one of the most recommended renewable energy companies in the country.
