If you own a 3-bedroom semi-detached house in Edinburgh with a south-facing roof, you're likely wondering how much you could save on your energy bills by installing solar panels. This calculator is tailored for your typical UK household bill of £1,200 per year. We've used real data to show you the potential savings, payback period, and environmental impact—so you can make an informed decision without any jargon.
Your Solar Potential in Edinburgh
Living in Edinburgh, you might worry about the Scottish weather, but solar panels still work efficiently in cloudy conditions. With a south-facing roof, you’re maximising the sunlight you do get. This page breaks down exactly what a 5.4 kWp system could mean for your home.
System Size and Generation
Based on your 30m² roof, the recommended system size is 5.4 kWp. This is a common size for a 3-bed semi. It generates around 4,428 kWh per year – that’s more than the average UK household uses. In Edinburgh, south-facing panels produce about 20% more than north-facing ones, so your orientation is ideal.
Your Savings at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| System Size | 5.4 kWp |
| Annual Generation | 4,428 kWh |
| Annual Savings | £620 |
| Bill Reduction | 36% |
| Install Cost | £5,940 |
| Payback Period | 9.6 years |
| CO₂ Saved | 1 tonnes/yr |
| Export Income | £186/yr |
Your annual bill of £1,200 drops by 36% to around £580 after savings and export income. The export income comes from selling unused electricity back to the grid via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
How the Numbers Stack Up
The install cost of £5,940 is based on current market rates for a 5.4 kWp system in Scotland. After 9.6 years, the system has paid for itself through savings and export income. Solar panels typically last 25+ years, so you’ll enjoy over 15 years of free electricity.
Environmental Impact
By generating your own clean energy, you’ll save 1 tonne of CO₂ per year. That’s equivalent to planting 50 trees annually. It’s a meaningful step towards net-zero, especially in Scotland where renewable energy is a priority.
Getting Started
To get a quote, look for MCS-certified installers – they guarantee quality and eligibility for schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Also check your Energy Performance Certificate to see your home’s current rating.
For more advice on saving energy at home, visit the Energy Saving Trust.
How these numbers were calculated
These estimates are based on standard assumptions for a 3-bed semi in Edinburgh: a 30m² south-facing roof, typical UK household electricity usage, and current solar panel efficiency. The system size (5.4 kWp) is calculated from roof area and orientation. Generation uses average solar irradiance data for Scotland. Savings assume you use 50% of generated electricity and export the rest at 15p/kWh. Payback includes installation cost minus any grants, with annual savings and export income.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust — Solar panels
- Ofgem — Smart Export Guarantee
- MCS Certified — Find an installer
