What happens at the solar survey?
A surveyor looks at your roof, its direction and condition, any shading, your fuse board and where the inverter and any battery could go. They also ask about your electricity use and future plans. You then receive a written quote with a generation estimate and no obligation to go ahead.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in Scotland?
Most houses in Scotland do not need planning permission for roof-mounted solar panels, as they are usually covered by permitted development rights. Listed buildings, homes in conservation areas and some flats may need consent, so this is checked before any work is booked.
The roof also needs to be strong enough to carry the panels. Your surveyor checks the roof structure and will tell you if anything needs to be looked at first.
How is the electricity network told about my system?
Your local network operator must be informed: SP Energy Networks in central and southern Scotland, or SSEN in the north. Smaller systems are usually notified after installation, while larger systems may need approval before they are fitted. We handle this paperwork for you.
What happens on installation day?
Scaffolding usually goes up a day or so before. The team then fits the roof mounts, panels and cabling, installs the inverter and any battery, and connects everything to your fuse board. Most homes need one to three days on site, depending on system size and access.
- Scaffolding is put up and checked.
- Roof hooks and rails are fixed to the rafters and the panels are mounted.
- The inverter, any battery and isolators are installed.
- The system is connected, tested and switched on.
- Scaffolding is taken down and the site is tidied.
What paperwork do I get when it is finished?
You receive a handover covering how the system works and how to use the monitoring app, plus your MCS certificate, electrical certificate, warranties and network paperwork. Keep these safe: you need the MCS certificate to apply for export payments, and the documents help if you sell your home.
We install through MCS-certified partners, who issue the certificate once the system is complete.
How do I start getting paid for exported electricity?
Apply for a Smart Export Guarantee tariff with a participating electricity supplier, using your MCS certificate. You do not have to use your current supplier for export, and rates and terms differ, so it is worth comparing a few offers before you sign up.