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Solar panel cost in Scottish Borders (EH45)

See realistic solar installation costs, savings and payback for EH45 (Scottish Borders) in under a minute using official UK data. Start with the calculator, then get a no-obligation quote from an MCS-certified installer. You can also ask the SolarByPostcode assistant to sanity-check your roof, bills and plans.

Solar Calculator

Change the settings below to see how costs and savings work for your situation.

System Size

Roof Direction

Battery Storage

Export Value

Your Numbers

Break-even
12.3 years
After this, it's pure profit
Upfront Cost
£9,767
What you pay to get started
Annual Benefit
£794
What you save every year
Profit Over 25 Years
£10,077
After paying itself off, you're this much ahead

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How we calculate this

Solar generation: Based on typical south-facing roof at 35° angle. We account for weather, dirt, and system losses (14%).

How much you'll use directly:

  • Without battery: You'll use about 40% of what you generate. The rest gets sold back to the grid.
  • With 5 kWh battery: You'll use about 70% (battery stores extra for evening use).
  • With 10 kWh battery: You'll use about 75% (more storage means less exported).
  • Panel-only payback: The official cost per kW is lower above 4 kW, so a 5–6 kW system can pay back a little faster than a 3–4 kW system on otherwise identical assumptions.
  • Battery & payback: Batteries raise self-use and cut bills, but added hardware cost often lengthens break-even at typical UK rates.
  • When a battery can still make sense:
    • Evening-heavy usage patterns
    • Time-of-use tariffs / cheap night rates
    • Low export rate vs. high unit rate
    • Heat pump or EV charging synergy
    • Optional backup/resilience (system-dependent)
    • Lower evening-hour CO₂ vs. grid

Panel costs: Uses March 2026 TIC mean installation costs: £1,827/kW up to 4 kW and £1,628/kW above 4 kW.

Other costs: Battery prices are modelled at £700 per kWh. Export tariffs vary by supplier (usually 5–15p per kWh).

Grid connection: Systems up to about 3.7 kW typically need just a notification (G98). Larger systems may need permission (G99).

These are typical values based on average usage patterns. Your actual results will vary based on your roof, shading, and how you use electricity.

Your area in context

In Southern Scotland, the current unit rate is 25.85p/kWh with a 64.17p/day standing charge. Your postcode’s south-facing sunshine yield is 810 kWh/kW — 40 below the regional median (850).

Read the full story

A typical roof here lands around 6.0 kW, with most eligible homes comfortably fitting within 3–6 kW. Each kilowatt of panels produces roughly 810 kWh per year on a south-facing roof. We value self-used electricity at 25.9p and exported surplus at a baseline 10p via SEG. Use the calculator above for your exact tariff.

Unit rate
25.9p/kWh
Standing charge
64.2p/day
Sunshine yield (south)
810 kWh/kW
Export price (baseline)
10p/kWh

Browse the scenarios below. Each battery size has its own expand — open the one that matches your plan (or just explore). For each system size (2–8 kW) we show annual output, how much you use directly, what gets exported, annual benefit, upfront cost, break-even, and a 20-year net. Negative numbers are possible — that’s the honest trade-off when adding more battery than your usage profile justifies.

No battery 5 kW example → Annual benefit: £661, Upfront: £8,139, Break-even: 12.3 yrs
System Annual output Self-use Exported Bill saving Export income Annual benefit Upfront cost Break-even 20-year net
2 kW 1619 kWh 648 kWh 972 kWh £167 £97 £265 £3,256 12.3 yrs £2,036
3 kW 2429 kWh 972 kWh 1457 kWh £251 £146 £397 £4,883 12.3 yrs £3,054
4 kW 3238 kWh 1295 kWh 1943 kWh £335 £194 £529 £6,511 12.3 yrs £4,072
5 kW 4048 kWh 1619 kWh 2429 kWh £419 £243 £661 £8,139 12.3 yrs £5,090
6 kW 4858 kWh 1943 kWh 2915 kWh £502 £291 £794 £9,767 12.3 yrs £6,108
7 kW 5667 kWh 2267 kWh 3400 kWh £586 £340 £926 £11,394 12.3 yrs £7,126
8 kW 6477 kWh 2591 kWh 3886 kWh £670 £389 £1,058 £13,022 12.3 yrs £8,144

Assumptions: south-facing, sensible tilt; self-use shares from site rules; export at 10p baseline. Costs: panels £/kW = 1,628, battery £/kWh = 700.

3 kWh battery 5 kW example → Annual benefit: £790, Upfront: £10,239, Break-even: 13.0 yrs
System Annual output Self-use Exported Bill saving Export income Annual benefit Upfront cost Break-even 20-year net
2 kW 1619 kWh 972 kWh 648 kWh £251 £65 £316 £5,356 17.0 yrs £963
3 kW 2429 kWh 1457 kWh 972 kWh £377 £97 £474 £6,983 14.7 yrs £2,494
4 kW 3238 kWh 1943 kWh 1295 kWh £502 £130 £632 £8,611 13.6 yrs £4,025
5 kW 4048 kWh 2429 kWh 1619 kWh £628 £162 £790 £10,239 13.0 yrs £5,557
6 kW 4858 kWh 2915 kWh 1943 kWh £753 £194 £948 £11,867 12.5 yrs £7,088
7 kW 5667 kWh 3400 kWh 2267 kWh £879 £227 £1,106 £13,494 12.2 yrs £8,619
8 kW 6477 kWh 3886 kWh 2591 kWh £1,005 £259 £1,264 £15,122 12.0 yrs £10,151

Assumptions: south-facing, sensible tilt; self-use shares from site rules; export at 10p baseline. Costs: panels £/kW = 1,628, battery £/kWh = 700.

5 kWh battery 5 kW example → Annual benefit: £854, Upfront: £11,639, Break-even: 13.6 yrs
System Annual output Self-use Exported Bill saving Export income Annual benefit Upfront cost Break-even 20-year net
2 kW 1619 kWh 1133 kWh 486 kWh £293 £49 £342 £6,756 19.8 yrs £76
3 kW 2429 kWh 1700 kWh 729 kWh £439 £73 £512 £8,383 16.4 yrs £1,864
4 kW 3238 kWh 2267 kWh 972 kWh £586 £97 £683 £10,011 14.7 yrs £3,652
5 kW 4048 kWh 2834 kWh 1214 kWh £732 £121 £854 £11,639 13.6 yrs £5,440
6 kW 4858 kWh 3400 kWh 1457 kWh £879 £146 £1,025 £13,267 12.9 yrs £7,228
7 kW 5667 kWh 3967 kWh 1700 kWh £1,025 £170 £1,196 £14,894 12.5 yrs £9,016
8 kW 6477 kWh 4534 kWh 1943 kWh £1,172 £194 £1,366 £16,522 12.1 yrs £10,804

Assumptions: south-facing, sensible tilt; self-use shares from site rules; export at 10p baseline. Costs: panels £/kW = 1,628, battery £/kWh = 700.

7.5 kWh battery 5 kW example → Annual benefit: £873, Upfront: £13,389, Break-even: 15.3 yrs
System Annual output Self-use Exported Bill saving Export income Annual benefit Upfront cost Break-even 20-year net
2 kW 1619 kWh 1182 kWh 437 kWh £306 £44 £349 £8,506 24.4 yrs £-1,520
3 kW 2429 kWh 1773 kWh 656 kWh £458 £66 £524 £10,133 19.3 yrs £345
4 kW 3238 kWh 2364 kWh 874 kWh £611 £87 £699 £11,761 16.8 yrs £2,210
5 kW 4048 kWh 2955 kWh 1093 kWh £764 £109 £873 £13,389 15.3 yrs £4,075
6 kW 4858 kWh 3546 kWh 1312 kWh £917 £131 £1,048 £15,017 14.3 yrs £5,940
7 kW 5667 kWh 4137 kWh 1530 kWh £1,069 £153 £1,222 £16,644 13.6 yrs £7,805
8 kW 6477 kWh 4728 kWh 1749 kWh £1,222 £175 £1,397 £18,272 13.1 yrs £9,670

Assumptions: south-facing, sensible tilt; self-use shares from site rules; export at 10p baseline. Costs: panels £/kW = 1,628, battery £/kWh = 700.

10 kWh battery 5 kW example → Annual benefit: £886, Upfront: £15,139, Break-even: 17.1 yrs
System Annual output Self-use Exported Bill saving Export income Annual benefit Upfront cost Break-even 20-year net
2 kW 1619 kWh 1214 kWh 405 kWh £314 £40 £354 £10,256 28.9 yrs £-3,167
3 kW 2429 kWh 1822 kWh 607 kWh £471 £61 £532 £11,883 22.4 yrs £-1,251
4 kW 3238 kWh 2429 kWh 810 kWh £628 £81 £709 £13,511 19.1 yrs £665
5 kW 4048 kWh 3036 kWh 1012 kWh £785 £101 £886 £15,139 17.1 yrs £2,582
6 kW 4858 kWh 3643 kWh 1214 kWh £942 £121 £1,063 £16,767 15.8 yrs £4,498
7 kW 5667 kWh 4250 kWh 1417 kWh £1,099 £142 £1,240 £18,394 14.8 yrs £6,414
8 kW 6477 kWh 4858 kWh 1619 kWh £1,256 £162 £1,418 £20,022 14.1 yrs £8,330

Assumptions: south-facing, sensible tilt; self-use shares from site rules; export at 10p baseline. Costs: panels £/kW = 1,628, battery £/kWh = 700.

13.5 kWh battery 5 kW example → Annual benefit: £899, Upfront: £17,589, Break-even: 19.6 yrs
System Annual output Self-use Exported Bill saving Export income Annual benefit Upfront cost Break-even 20-year net
2 kW 1619 kWh 1247 kWh 372 kWh £322 £37 £360 £12,706 35.3 yrs £-5,515
3 kW 2429 kWh 1870 kWh 559 kWh £483 £56 £539 £14,333 26.6 yrs £-3,547
4 kW 3238 kWh 2494 kWh 745 kWh £645 £74 £719 £15,961 22.2 yrs £-1,579
5 kW 4048 kWh 3117 kWh 931 kWh £806 £93 £899 £17,589 19.6 yrs £388
6 kW 4858 kWh 3740 kWh 1117 kWh £967 £112 £1,079 £19,217 17.8 yrs £2,356
7 kW 5667 kWh 4364 kWh 1303 kWh £1,128 £130 £1,258 £20,844 16.6 yrs £4,323
8 kW 6477 kWh 4987 kWh 1490 kWh £1,289 £149 £1,438 £22,472 15.6 yrs £6,291

Assumptions: south-facing, sensible tilt; self-use shares from site rules; export at 10p baseline. Costs: panels £/kW = 1,628, battery £/kWh = 700.

Figures are illustrative and use the same method as the calculator above. For exact results, adjust your roof direction, tariff, and usage in the calculator.

Before you request quotes in Scottish Borders

Use the numbers above to sanity-check installer quotes. The main things to compare are system size, battery assumptions, payback claims, MCS certification, DNO paperwork and export assumptions.

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Check what MCS certification means

Understand DNO, G98 and G99 export limits

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Want a quote sanity check for EH45?

Share the first part of your postcode and a few basics. We’ll help you check whether system size, battery, export and paperwork assumptions look sensible before you commit to installer conversations.

This is a practical sanity-check request, not an instant quote promise. The Blue Ape quote route above remains available if you already want installer introductions.

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Insights for EH45

Figures below are tailored to EH45 — click through for full league tables.

Solar Payback Index Rank #2647 of 2996
12.3 years (UK avg 10.8 years)
~£794 /yr • £9,767 upfront
Standing-Charge Drag Rank #2112 of 2996
29.5% (UK avg 26.6%) drag on savings
£234 fixed • ~£794 /yr value
Aspect Penalty View ranking →
East −18.7% West −19.0%
Typical output loss versus a south-facing roof (lower is better)

Seasonal solar output in EH45

Monthly generation per kilowatt of solar panels

kWh 22 Jan 38 Feb 69 Mar 99 Apr 111 May 103 Jun 106 Jul 94 Aug 72 Sep 48 Oct 31 Nov 17 Dec
Best month Worst month Winter (Dec–Feb) Other months

Winter output: 38.1% of an average month (Dec–Feb)

Best / worst month: May / Dec

These figures show output per kilowatt (kW) of panels installed. In winter, a 1 kW system here produces about 26 kWh per month; the average month produces around 67 kWh. So a typical 4 kW home system would generate roughly 103 kWh in winter, or 270 kWh in an average month.

Your Area at a Glance

Your Electricity Rate
25.85p/kWh
Daily Fixed Charge
64.17p/day
Local Sunshine
810kWh/kW
A 1 kW system generates ~810 kWh per year. A typical home uses ~2,700 kWh per year.
Typical System Size
6.0kW
For houses & bungalows in this area

Local Property Data

Property Types

No EPC data available for this outcode

Coverage

Scottish Borders (100%)

Areas Covered

Tweeddale West, Tweeddale East

Data Sources & Assumptions

Solar yield: PVGIS (EU Joint Research Centre), January 2025 data

Electricity rates: Ofgem price cap, Q3 2026

Installation costs: DESNZ/MCS data, March 2026 (TIC)

Property data: EPC open data (Open Government Licence), aggregated

All estimates are typical values. Actual results vary based on your specific situation, roof characteristics, and usage patterns.

Compare nearby areas

Nearby in Southern Scotland

EH44 (Scottish Borders)
≈8.8 km away
Local sunshine: ~826 kWh/kWp · +2% vs EH45
EH43 (Scottish Borders)
≈11.5 km away
Local sunshine: ~833 kWh/kWp · +3% vs EH45
EH46 (Scottish Borders)
≈15.0 km away
Local sunshine: ~832 kWh/kWp · +3% vs EH45
EH26 (Midlothian)
≈20.3 km away
Local sunshine: ~832 kWh/kWp · +3% vs EH45
EH38 (Scottish Borders)
≈20.5 km away
Local sunshine: ~837 kWh/kWp · +3% vs EH45
ML12 (South Lanarkshire)
≈22.2 km away
Local sunshine: ~811 kWh/kWp · +0% vs EH45

Similar sunshine across the UK

G63 (Stirling)
~810 kWh/kWp · -0% vs EH45
IV4 (Highland)
~809 kWh/kWp · -0% vs EH45
PA68 (Argyll and Bute)
~809 kWh/kWp · -0% vs EH45