Renewable Energy Resources
Official guidance and useful links for Scottish homes
This guidance is reviewed periodically to reflect evolving renewable energy practices and current Scottish regulations.
A collection of resources covering solar, wind, hydro, policy, funding, statistics and community energy across Scotland. We link to official and established sources wherever we can, and the notes below explain the main rules that apply to solar panels and batteries on Scottish homes.
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Key Rules for Solar and Batteries on Scottish Homes
Planning permission
Many roof-mounted solar panels on houses in Scotland count as permitted development, so they do not need a full planning application. Different rules apply to flats, listed buildings, conservation areas and World Heritage Sites, where you may need consent first. Your local council's planning team can confirm what applies to your property.
Connecting to the grid
Your local network operator must be told about any system that can send power to the grid. SP Energy Networks covers central and southern Scotland, and SSEN covers the north and the islands. Smaller systems are usually notified after installation, while larger ones need approval beforehand. Your installer normally handles this for you.
VAT and export payments
Solar panels and home batteries are zero-rated for VAT until March 2027. Once installed, you can earn payments for electricity you send to the grid through an export tariff from an energy supplier. Rates vary between suppliers, so it is worth comparing them.
Funding and other support
The Scottish heat pump funding scheme offers up to available for eligible properties for eligible rural homes, subject to eligibility. It does not cover solar panels or batteries. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies in England and Wales only. For solar and batteries: finance available, subject to status.
About This Resource Hub
This directory brings together useful resources for anyone interested in renewable energy in Scotland. Whether you are a homeowner considering solar panels, a community group looking at a local project, or simply following Scotland's move to cleaner energy, you should find something relevant here.
We prefer official government sources, research institutions, established industry bodies and community organisations. Links are checked from time to time, but rules and schemes change, so always confirm details with the organisation that runs them before making a decision.
How to Use This Directory
- Use the category filters to browse resources by topic (solar, wind, policy, funding, etc.)
- Search by keyword to find specific organisations, programmes or topics
- Featured resources are ones we think are a good starting point
- Read our solar guidance hub for plain-English guides on solar panels and batteries
Know of a useful resource we're missing? Contact us with your suggestion.