Key facts
| Network operator | SP Energy Networks (SP Distribution licence area, central and southern Scotland) |
| Planning authority | City of Edinburgh Council; West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian councils for surrounding sites |
| Clean air zone | Low Emission Zone in the city centre, enforced since June 2024 |
| Indicative yield | About 820 to 900 kWh per kWp a year for a well-oriented array |
| Nation support page | Grants and support in Scotland |
Grid connection with SP Energy Networks
Edinburgh is in SP Energy Networks' SP Distribution licence area. Commercial systems above the G98 limits need G99 approval before connection. Boundaries can vary at the edges of licence areas, so confirm your operator with the Energy Networks Association postcode tool.
Business parks on the west side of the city, around Edinburgh Park and South Gyle, have relatively modern supplies, while older premises in Leith and the centre may have smaller connections. Where the network limits export, a G100 export limitation scheme or a battery can help. Our page on G99 and DNO applications explains the process.
Planning: the World Heritage Site and beyond
The City of Edinburgh Council is the planning authority for the city, which includes the Port of Leith, Edinburgh Airport, the Newbridge industrial estates, Sighthill, Edinburgh Park, the BioQuarter at Little France and Heriot-Watt Research Park at Riccarton. Livingston falls to West Lothian Council and the Easter Bush campus to Midlothian Council.
Scotland's permitted development rights for rooftop solar were widened in 2024, removing the previous 50 kW limit for non-domestic buildings, but listed buildings and World Heritage Sites are excluded. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are a World Heritage Site, and the city has a very large number of listed buildings and many conservation areas. In practice:
- In the World Heritage Site, assume a planning application is needed, and listed building consent if the building is listed. Hidden flat roofs and inner slopes are the most likely options.
- Outside it, modern commercial and industrial units can often proceed under permitted development, subject to the Scottish conditions on flat roofs and conservation areas.
Our planning permission guide explains how applications work.
The local economy and solar
Edinburgh's economy is led by financial services, tourism and hospitality, universities and research, life sciences, public administration and food and drink. Hotels with year-round demand, research campuses, hospitals and distribution sites at Newbridge and Leith tend to make good use of solar. See our hospitality page for how hotels and venues approach it.
The Low Emission Zone and vehicle charging
Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone covers part of the city centre, with penalties for non-compliant vehicles from June 2024. It applies to most vehicles, including private cars. At the time of writing the initial penalty is £60, doubling for repeat contraventions up to £480 for cars and vans and £960 for buses, coaches and HGVs; check the council's LEZ pages for the boundary and exemptions.
Hotels, venues and businesses that make deliveries into the centre may find electric vans and guest or staff charging the simplest response. A rooftop or carport array can supply part of that charging during the day. See EV charging for business.
Roofs and buildings in Edinburgh
- Georgian and medieval buildings in the New Town and Old Town, almost all listed or in conservation areas, with slate roofs, chimneys and parapets.
- Victorian tenements and warehouses in Leith, some converted to offices, where roof structure and access need checking.
- 1960s to 1980s industrial units at Sighthill, Newbridge and elsewhere, some with asbestos cement roofs that need surveying first.
- Modern business park offices at Edinburgh Park and South Gyle, often with flat roofs that suit ballasted or low-tilt systems.
Expected generation
Edinburgh's east coast position makes it drier and sunnier than Glasgow. A well-oriented array typically produces about 820 to 900 kWh per kWp a year (indicative). The European Commission's PVGIS model gives close to 920 kWh per kWp for an ideally angled south-facing array with standard losses, and nearer 725 for a low-pitch east-west layout.
How the free survey works
Use the short form to tell us about the site. We review your enquiry, call to understand the building and your energy use, and if it looks suitable we arrange a free survey with one MCS certified installer matched to the site. Your details go to that installer only. Listed buildings in the centre normally need an in-person visit; modern units can often start virtually. There is no obligation. See our Scotland page for the wider picture.
Frequently asked questions
Can we fit solar on a building in Edinburgh's World Heritage Site?
Sometimes, but permitted development does not apply in the World Heritage Site, so expect to apply for planning permission, and for listed building consent if the building is listed. The council will look closely at visibility from streets and viewpoints. Flat roofs behind parapets and inner roof slopes are the usual starting point.
Who is the network operator for Edinburgh?
SP Energy Networks, through its SP Distribution licence for central and southern Scotland. It assesses G99 applications for commercial solar and decides how much export the local network can accept. Boundaries can vary at the edges, so confirm the operator for your postcode with the Energy Networks Association postcode tool.
Does the Low Emission Zone affect hotels and venues?
It can affect deliveries, staff travel and guests driving in, because the zone applies to most vehicles, including cars. Hotels and venues sometimes respond by offering EV charging, and solar can provide some of that power during the day. The survey can include a charging load when sizing the array.
Our unit is in Livingston. Which council do we deal with?
West Lothian Council, because Livingston is in West Lothian rather than the City of Edinburgh. The same Scottish permitted development rules apply, so many rooftop systems on modern industrial and commercial units can proceed without an application. If you lease the unit, your landlord's consent will normally be needed first.
Related pages
- ScotlandSP Energy Networks and SSEN connections, NPF4 and Scottish permitted development, the four city low emission zones, the Scottish rates exemption and realistic yields.
- GlasgowSP Energy Networks G99 approvals, Scottish permitted development, the city centre Low Emission Zone and roofs from Hillington Park to Eurocentral.
- NewcastleNorthern Powergrid G99 approvals, planning across Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside, the Class C Clean Air Zone and Tyneside's industrial roofs.
- Planning permissionPermitted development for commercial rooftop solar and car park canopies in England, prior approval, heritage limits, ground-mounted schemes and the other UK nations.
- HospitalityHotels and holiday parks with summer peaks match solar well, while evening-led pubs and restaurants need careful sizing. The survey looks at hot water, kitchens, seasons and historic buildings.