FAQ
Common questions about solar in Inverness
Twelve questions we hear most from Inverness homeowners. If yours is not here, get in touch.
These are the twelve questions we hear most from Inverness homeowners about solar panels, batteries, grants, and planning permission. If your question is not answered here, call us on zero one four one, two three zero, zero one nine eight and we will answer it directly.
Yes. Inverness receives around 3.1–3.3 peak sun hours per day annually. A typical system generates 3,400–3,600 kWh per year. The 18-hour summer daylight in June partly offsets shorter winter days, and the east-facing Highland capital gets less rainfall than the west coast.
IV1–IV3 city postcodes qualify for standard government-backed support: up to £16,500 combined (£7,500 grant + £9,000 interest-free loan). Rural Highland postcodes (IV4+) may qualify for the uplift: up to £18,000 combined. Eligibility is means-tested. 0% VAT on solar applies automatically until 31 March 2027.
Our standard system (12 × AIKO Comet 500 W black-on-black, Hanchu ESS hybrid inverter, LiFePO4 battery, bird proofing) is £12,500–£13,500 including 0% VAT. This is a published price from our installer partner — no hidden extras.
Most domestic roof-mounted solar falls under permitted development rights — no planning permission needed. Exceptions: conservation areas (parts of Crown, Old Town), listed buildings, and properties near Inverness Castle. Highland Council has over 1,700 listed buildings in the region. Our installer partner advises on planning during the survey.
No. Solar Panels Inverness is part of Scottish Energy Efficiency, a Dundee-based renewable energy consultancy. We connect homeowners with our pre-vetted MCS-certified installation partner, Home Heating Services (Scotland) Ltd. They carry out the survey, quote, and installation. MCS, TrustMark, and Gas Safe accreditations belong to them, not to us.
Battery storage is included in our standard system. The real value is displacing expensive grid imports (24–30p/kWh) rather than exporting at 12p/kWh. Without a battery, self-consumption is typically 30–40%. With one, it rises to 60–80%.
Our installer partner covers all Inverness IV postcodes: IV1 (city centre, Crown), IV2 (Culloden, Smithton, Westhill), IV3 (Clachnaharry, Dalneigh). We also cover Black Isle (IV7–IV8) and Nairn (IV12).
A standard domestic system takes 1–2 days. The overall timeline from first contact to switch-on is typically 4–8 weeks, depending on SSEN grid application timescales. Larger systems requiring G99 engineering studies can take longer.
30-year performance warranty (above 90% output at year 30, approximately 0.4% per year degradation). 10-year battery warranty. 10-year inverter warranty. Plus an insurance-backed guarantee through the Independent Warranty Association.
The current Smart Export Guarantee rate is 12p/kWh (Outgoing Octopus, from 1 March 2026). However, the greater saving comes from using the electricity yourself rather than exporting it.
Yes, but listed building consent is required from Highland Council. Conservation area properties (parts of Crown and Old Town) may also need permission. Our installer partner advises on this during the survey.
G98/G99 application via SSEN before installation. Systems up to 3.68 kW single-phase typically qualify for simplified G98 notification; larger systems require G99 engineering study, which can take 6–12 weeks in the Highlands due to grid constraints. Our installer partner handles this for you.
How can I ask a question not listed here?
Call us on 0141 230 0198, email, or WhatsApp. We are happy to answer anything about solar, batteries, or grants for your Inverness home.
Call us on 0141 230 0198 or get in touch through the website.