Edinburgh has roughly 15% less solar irradiance than the Midlands, making payback periods longer than further south. However, Home Energy Scotland's grant and loan scheme can significantly reduce the upfront cost, and the SNH estimates Scottish homes could still save £250–£500 a year with a well-sized system. Run your numbers before writing it off.
Generation uses a UK baseline of 850 kWh per kWp installed, adjusted for your region's solar irradiance, roof orientation, pitch and shading. South-facing roofs at 30–45° hit the baseline; east/west takes a 15% hit; north loses a third.
Self-consumption defaults to 40% without a battery — the rest exports to the grid. A battery raises self-consumption progressively up to 80% at ~15 kWh capacity.
Savings = self-consumed kWh × your import rate, plus exported kWh × your SEG rate. Apply 0.5% panel degradation per year over the 25-year warranty.
Install cost reflects 2026 UK ranges with 0% VAT (in force until April 2027). Battery cost: roughly £350/kWh installed plus a £2k base.
This is an estimate. Actual generation and quotes vary — get a site survey from an MCS-certified installer before committing.