Calculate Your Savings
Get accurate estimates for solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging. All calculations use real Scottish data and current energy prices.
Last updated: 28 October 2026 · Reviewed by the Scottish Energy Efficiency team
Combined System Calculator
Your Estimated Results
Battery Arbitrage Calculator
Calculate your potential savings with real Scottish tariff rates. See exactly how much you can save by charging at cheap rates and using power during expensive periods.
Configure Your System
Best for EV owners and battery arbitrage. 6 hours cheap rate.
Off-Peak Rate
7.0p
Peak Rate
30.0p
More cycles = faster payback but increased battery wear
Your Potential Savings
Total Daily Savings
Varies
per day
Monthly
Varies
Yearly
Varies
Payback Estimation
Note: These calculations show pure battery arbitrage savings without solar. With solar panels, you'll save even more by storing surplus daytime solar energy. Actual savings depend on your usage patterns, tariff availability, and battery efficiency. Always verify tariff rates with your energy supplier as they change regularly.
Is Your Roof Suitable for Solar?
Answer four quick questions to get an instant assessment of your roof's solar potential.
Generation estimates vary by region due to local weather patterns
Typical 3-bed: 20-30m2 | 4-bed: 30-45m2
Understanding Solar & Battery Economics
Realistic expectations for Scottish homes. No inflated claims — just honest payback logic based on current energy prices and typical usage patterns.
Quick Answer
A survey is the best way to estimate your savings. Panels continue to generate for 25+ years after installation. The real value isn't just payback — it's decades of reduced bills, protection from price rises, and energy independence.
Solar Only
4kW system, south-facing roof
Typical Cost
Varies by system
Annual Savings
Varies
Payback
A survey is best
Independence
30-40%
Best for homes with high daytime usage
Solar + Battery
4kW solar + 10kWh battery
Typical Cost
Varies by system
Annual Savings
Payback
Independence
Best for homes with high daytime usage
Solar + Battery
4kW solar + 10kWh battery
Typical Cost
Varies by system
Annual Savings
A survey is the best way to estimate your savings
Payback
A survey is the best way to estimate your savings
Independence
A survey is the best way to estimate your savings
Maximises self-consumption, best long-term value
Battery Retrofit
Adding battery to existing solar
Typical Cost
Varies by system
Annual Savings
A survey is the best way to estimate your savings
Payback
A survey is the best way to estimate your savings
Independence
A survey is the best way to estimate your savings
Unlocks stored solar + tariff arbitrage
What Affects Your Payback?
Energy Usage Patterns
Homes using more electricity during generation hours benefit more from solar alone. Evening-heavy households gain more from batteries.
Energy Price Trajectory
Energy prices have risen significantly. Generating your own power protects against future increases — a form of energy security.
Smart Tariff Access
Time-of-use tariffs like Octopus Intelligent can dramatically improve battery payback through arbitrage savings.
System Longevity
Solar panels last 25-30 years. Batteries last 10-15 years. The true value extends well beyond the initial investment.
Beyond Simple Payback
Payback calculations only tell part of the story. Consider the full 25-30 year lifespan of solar panels, providing reduced bills for years.
- Protection against energy price rises
- Increased property value
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Energy independence and resilience
25-Year Value
A survey is the best way to estimate your savings
Total savings over system lifetime
Actual savings depend on your property, usage, tariff and energy prices.
Finance Your Solar & Battery System
See how interest-free monthly payments stack up against energy savings
Finance Options Available in Scotland
Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status
Installer Finance
The Savings Cover the Payments
In many cases, your monthly energy savings can exceed or nearly match your finance payments. This means the system can pay for itself from day one, and after the finance is paid off, all savings go straight into your pocket.
Illustration only. Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status.
Your Environmental Impact
Solar energy is not just about saving money - it is about protecting our planet for future generations
What does 1.05 tonnes of CO₂ actually mean?
Scotland's Net Zero Target
Scotland has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. Every solar installation brings us closer to this goal.
Leave a Better Scotland
By installing solar and battery storage, you are making a tangible contribution to Scotland's renewable energy future.
Clean energy. Lower bills. Better future. It is that simple.
Join Scotland's Green Energy Revolution
Scottish Energy Efficiency has helped Scottish families prevent over 1,200 tonnes of CO₂ from entering our atmosphere.
Calculate Your Environmental ImpactCarbon calculations based on UK grid carbon intensity of 233g CO₂/kWh (2024 average)
Related guides
- Solar Output CalculatorEstimate solar panel output for your Scottish home based on location, roof direction, tilt and shading, and see how output changes by season.Read guide
- Solar Panel Cost ScotlandWhat solar panels and batteries cost in Scotland, how the 0% VAT exemption works, and what realistic payback periods look like for Scottish homes.Read guide
- Battery Storage ExplainedHome batteries store electricity from solar or grid for later use. Learn about battery technologies, sizing, tariff arbitrage, and lifespan expectations.Read guide
- Solar Panel Payback Time in ScotlandWorked examples showing how payback is estimated for Scottish homes.Read guide