Solar Panels & Battery Storage in Highlands & Islands

Highland and island homes

Bungalows, crofts, stone cottages and timber-frame kit homes are common across the Highlands and Islands. Many have simple, unshaded roofs with good space for panels, and outbuildings or ground-mounted arrays can work where the house roof isn't suitable. Older stone cottages may need roof checks before fitting, and some are listed or in conservation areas.

Many homes are off the gas network and heat with oil, LPG, solid fuel or electric storage heaters. That means electricity you generate and store yourself can go further, especially alongside a heat pump. Long distances mean surveys and installations are usually grouped by area.

Wind, salt and long summer days

The far north has extremely long summer days, giving strong generation from late spring into late summer, while winter days are very short. The west coast and islands are wetter and cloudier than the east, but panels still produce in diffuse daylight.

Exposure is the bigger factor. High winds and salt spray on coastal and island sites mean fixings, mounting rails and components must suit harsh conditions. Snow can sit on panels in upland areas for a short time. A battery helps cover evenings and, with a suitable set-up, can provide backup during power cuts.

The network across the Highlands and Islands

The Highlands and Islands are covered by SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks). Smaller systems are notified under G98 after installation. Larger systems need G99 approval first. Some island and remote networks have limited capacity, so the network may approve a system with an export limit. A battery then lets you store and use more of your own generation instead of exporting it.