Solar Panel FAQ — Aberdeen

The cost depends on your roof, access and the panels and battery you choose. Our standard domestic specification is 12 AIKO Comet 500W panels with a Hanchu hybrid inverter and battery, including scaffolding, bird proofing and MCS certification. 0% VAT applies until 31 March 2027. A no-obligation survey gives your exact figure, confirmed on your written quotation.

Solar panels work on daylight, not direct sun. Aberdeen receives roughly 700–800 kWh per kWp per year (per MCS MIS 3002). A 6 kW system generates around 4,200–4,800 kWh annually — less than southern England but more than most people expect. Longer summer days compensate for lower winter sun. A no-obligation survey gives exact figures for your roof.

Not with the right fixings. Aberdeen's granite buildings require specialist mounting brackets — standard roof hooks designed for slate or tile do not work. Our installation partners use fixings specifically rated for granite. Warranty and guarantee terms are confirmed in writing on your quotation.

MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) is the UK quality mark for renewable energy installations. An MCS-certified installation is required to receive Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for electricity you export to the grid. We install through MCS-certified partners. Without MCS certification, you cannot claim.

We install through MCS-certified partners. Scot Energy Efficiency provides the quote and manages the process from survey to handover.

A typical domestic solar installation takes one to two days. Our installation partner handles the SSEN G98/G99 grid notification and MCS certification as part of the process. Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are on the SSEN distribution network. You do not need to arrange anything separately.

Warranty and guarantee terms are confirmed in writing on your quotation. Panel, inverter and battery warranties are provided by the manufacturers and are separate from the installer.

Solar panel installations on residential properties are currently charged at 0% VAT. This applies until 31 March 2027. The 0% rate covers both the equipment and the installation labour.

We install through MCS-certified partners. That means you qualify for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Smart Export Guarantee payments are made for electricity you export, with rates set by each supplier — check current rates before committing. Export income is never guaranteed.

Most domestic solar installations in Scotland are permitted development and do not require a planning application. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flats or tenements where co-owner consent from the close is needed. A building warrant is not usually required for roof-mounted panels, but a completion certificate through eBuildingStandards may be needed for the electrical work. We check all of this during the survey.

Interest-free credit of up to £30,000 is available, subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply. Ask about payment options when you request your quote and they will be set out in writing before you commit.

Most Aberdeen homes suit a 6 kW system (12 panels). This covers a typical three- or four-bedroom detached or semi-detached house with annual electricity use of around 3,500–4,500 kWh. The exact number depends on your roof size, orientation, shading and electricity usage. A no-obligation home survey gives you the right answer for your property.

Yes. Flat-roof mounting frames tilt panels to the optimal angle (usually 30–35 degrees). This works on flat-roofed extensions, dormers and garages. The frames add a small amount to the installation cost but the energy yield is comparable to a pitched roof. Ballasted frames may be used to avoid roof penetrations.

Modern solar panels are designed for long service lives, and real-world panels often continue generating well beyond their warranty period. Warranty and guarantee terms are confirmed in writing on your quotation.

Light snow slides off panels quickly due to their smooth glass surface and tilt angle. Heavy snow may temporarily reduce output, but Aberdeen rarely sees prolonged heavy snowfall. Panels should never be manually cleared — the warmth they generate when daylight returns melts remaining snow naturally.

Yes. If you install a hybrid inverter (included in our standard specification), a battery can be added at any time. The inverter is battery-ready from day one. Adding a battery later avoids a second scaffolding visit only if internal wiring is pre-run during the initial installation — we do this as standard.

Solar can make a home more attractive to energy-conscious buyers, but the effect on value varies. Solar panels improve your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. In Aberdeen, where granite homes often have lower EPC scores, the improvement can be particularly noticeable. Solar panels are also increasingly expected by buyers.