What Solar Costs in Glasgow

Why we don't publish a price

We could put a figure on this page. It would be a guess, it would be wrong for most readers, and the installer who quotes you is the one who sets the price anyway — not us.

What we can usefully do is tell you what makes the number move, so you can read a quotation properly and compare two of them honestly.

System size

The biggest single factor. More panels means more hardware, more mounting, more labour and often a bigger inverter.

Panel and inverter choice

All-black panels cost a little more than silver-framed. Microinverters or optimisers add cost per panel. A hybrid inverter costs more than a straight string inverter but saves money later if you add a battery.

Battery

Frequently the largest single line after the panels themselves. Capacity, chemistry, backup capability and brand all move it.

Roof type and access

natural and Welsh slate on the tenements, concrete tile on the later stock are the common coverings in Glasgow. Slate is more labour-intensive than concrete tile. Flat roofs need frames and ballast. Awkward access, three storeys, or a roof over an extension all add scaffolding.

Electrical work

Cable runs, consumer unit work, isolators, earthing upgrades. If your consumer unit is old or full, that may need dealing with first and should be itemised rather than sprung on you.

Grid connection

A G98 notification is routine. A G99 application takes longer and may carry a cost — worth asking which applies before you commit to dates.

Extras

EV charger, bird proofing, monitoring hardware, and any roof repair needed before the array goes on.

VAT

Qualifying domestic solar and battery installations currently attract 0% VAT. That is a national arrangement set by the government, not a discount offered by us or by any installer — check the current position on GOV.UK, as the rules and dates do change.

Comparing two quotes

Check they are for the same system size, the same panel and inverter, the same usable battery capacity, and that scaffolding and electrical work are in both. A cheaper quote that excludes scaffolding is not cheaper.

Actual generation, savings and export income depend on the system size, roof orientation and shading, your electricity use and tariff, battery usage, weather and future energy prices. Figures are estimates, not guarantees.