A useful benchmark: Energy Saving Trust currently gives around £7,600 for a typical 4.5kWp domestic solar PV installation. This is national guidance, not a Renew-Able quotation or an Edinburgh average, and should not be read as a solar-plus-battery package price. Source checked 17 September 2026: Energy Saving Trust solar panel guide.
For an Edinburgh or East Lothian property, the price needs to reflect the usable roof, access, equipment, electrical work and what is included. Start with our solar PV installation service, or request a solar quotation.
Compare solar-only and solar-plus-battery quotations
Ask for separate prices for the PV installation and any battery option. A battery adds storage equipment, integration and commissioning; backup during a power cut may require further equipment and electrical work. The battery capacity in kWh, inverter power in kW and backup scope should be stated clearly.
A battery is not needed simply to export surplus solar electricity. Compare how much generation you can use during the day with the value of storing it for later. Our battery storage service explains the options, including adding storage to an existing installation.
What changes the installed price?
- Roof and access: roof covering and condition, scaffolding, edge protection, height, safe access and any roof repairs.
- Array design: usable roof area, orientation, shading, panel layout, mounting method and the selected equipment.
- Electrical work: cable routes, inverter location, existing consumer unit, protection, metering and any required upgrades.
- Grid and permissions: the appropriate network process, any export restriction and property-specific planning considerations.
- Battery and backup: usable capacity, power rating, compatible controls, circuit selection and any gateway or changeover equipment.
- Handover and support: commissioning, documentation, monitoring, product warranties, workmanship cover and the scope of aftercare.
What a comparable quotation should include
Request an itemised scope showing the panel and inverter models, array capacity, predicted annual generation and assumptions. Confirm whether access, electrical alterations, network paperwork, monitoring and commissioning are included. Ask for exclusions and provisional sums to be identified before comparing totals. Product, inverter and workmanship warranties can differ; do not assume one blanket warranty covers every component.
Separate expected generation from expected bill savings. Savings depend on the electricity you use on site, your import tariff, any export tariff and system performance. A payback estimate should state those assumptions and any maintenance or replacement allowance.
Export payments and funding
The Smart Export Guarantee provides export payments through participating suppliers for eligible installations. It is not an upfront installation grant. Compare the supplier’s eligibility and tariff terms before relying on an export-income estimate.
Do not deduct an assumed grant or tax saving from a quotation. Check the current eligibility and written terms of any funding offer, and ask the installer to show the applicable VAT treatment on the quote. Our DNO application guide explains the network-connection process.
Information to prepare for a solar quote
- Your postcode, property type and whether you own the property.
- Recent electricity consumption and when the property uses most power.
- Roof photographs, known roof issues and any plans for roof work.
- Existing solar, battery or other generating equipment.
- Plans for an electric vehicle, heat pump or other major electrical loads.
- Whether your priority is daytime use, storage, backup or a combination.
Common questions about solar costs in Edinburgh
Can you price a system from the number of bedrooms? Bedrooms alone do not establish consumption, roof suitability or electrical scope. A useful proposal uses the actual property and energy requirements.
Is a larger system always better value? It may have a lower cost per kWp, but usable roof space, generation, consumption, export conditions and the complete project cost still need assessment.
Will a battery keep the house running in a power cut? Only if the equipment and installation are designed for backup. Read our home battery backup guide before comparing packages.
Request a solar installation quotation
Renew-Able Solutions installs solar PV in Edinburgh and East Lothian, with wider projects considered according to scope. Tell us about the property and what you want the system to achieve. We will review the information and discuss the appropriate assessment and next steps.
Request a solar quote. For a business property, see commercial solar costs and our commercial energy assessment.
