Solar panels

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.