Solar & battery information

ReFLEX will not be offering a funded domestic solar and battery solution to homeowners and the private rental market. A number of financial and regulatory hurdles inhibited the development of the offering previously proposed.

However, we can offer information and advice on options for those looking to install solar PV and battery or for those looking to maximise the potential of their existing system.

If you want to install solar and / or battery in your house, there are still opportunities to do this. The resources below are a starting point for information on the grid connection process and Home Energy Scotland's financial support.

When installing a battery or new solar panels and connecting them to the electricity grid a physical connection is required. To secure a grid connection a set of processes must first take place in order for the grid operator to ensure the grid connection is safe, as seen in the graphic below.

To apply for a grid connection the following forms will need to be completed and sent to the network operator at: north.microgen@sse.com

• G98 application form
• Site plan (example)
• Circuit diagram (example)

• Additional information on grid applications
  • The G98 form can be filled out with input from your chosen installer. Please ensure you use an MCS accredited installer, such as RS Merriman, Deviate Energy, or Orkney Renewables.
  • The G98 connection limits the maximum export capacity to 3.68kW, there is currently no route for larger (G99) domestic grid connections in Orkney due to grid constraints. For more details on the Orkney network and the active network management (ANM) system, read this blog.
  • Once the application has been submitted, the network operator (SSEN) will provide a response within 3 months.
  • To produce a circuit diagram you can ask an installer to include within any quote.
  • To produce a site diagram follow the steps within the example document.

The Scottish Government offers a range of energy efficiency funding measures across a number of different programmes. These change over time and renewable energy systems like solar PV and battery are sometimes included as eligible for funding or interest free loan support. Please visit the Home Energy Scotland website for current information on available funding.

Battery technology and wider usage within the energy system is increasing all the time. Some smart tariffs from UK energy providers now provide the ability to charge cheaply off peak, but also to export back into the grid for either a flat rate or at peak times of demand - these advances make it even more important to fully consider how best to size a potential battery installation.

ReFLEX's Building Retrofit Plan approach helps households assess how they utilise energy in the home and we can refer households on to contractors who will take a similar approach to ensuring that any system installed will fit your households requirements and usage patterns.

• Is solar and battery right for my home in Orkney?

  Solar generation in Orkney can provide some quite significant electricity generation, particularly over the summer months. However, solar generation produces very little over winter months when households on Orkney usually have the highest demand for electricity. How a household utilises their property also has an impact on how effective solar PV can be. For example, if the property is electrically heated, has a battery, electric car or other high electricity usage then it is likely that the vast majority of the electricity generated can be utilised within the property, offsetting expensive to import electricity and maximising the use of the energy generated. If a house is oil heated, empty for most of the day and has generally low electricity demand it is possible that most of the energy generated would simply be exported to the grid and the majority of the benefit lost to the household.

  Battery storage can help shift the use of generated electricity from day time to evenings, and if a property has a smart meter there are also more electricity tariffs coming to the market that allow households to utilise their batteries as part of a wider grid balancing system, exactly the thing that the ReFLEX Project hoped to develop over five years ago. This allows batteries to be charged at cheap rates, or even sometimes the potential to be paid to charge from the grid or discharge into the grid, providing an income and helping pay for the battery installation.

  The upfront cost of solar and battery installations is mostly tied to labour and installation, so making the most of your available roof space provides better long-term value.

  Different properties and household lifestyles require different solar and battery sizing. Properties with high electricity usage from electric heating, electric car charging or high usage from home working or high occupancy would require a different mix of solar generation and battery storage than households with lower electricity usage, oil heating and largely evening and weekend occupation. ReFLEX Orkney’s Building Retrofit Plan approach provides some guidance on what might be the best approach for households and recommends local solar and battery installers with MCS accreditation who can provide a detailed assessment and quote for any interested households.

• What does solar cost in Orkney?

  Costs vary depending on system size, whether battery storage is included, roof type, access (especially for older island homes), and the need for scaffolding or trenching.

  • Typical cost of a 10-panel system: Around £7,000
  • System with battery (13.5kWh): Around £14,300
• Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

  In most cases, solar panel installations fall under permitted development rights, meaning no planning permission is required. However, listed buildings and homes in conservation areas (which are common in Orkney) may require consent.

  Always check with Orkney Islands Council or a local installer familiar with the planning landscape.

• Is there a limit to how many panels I can install?

  In line with UK-wide rules, most homes are permitted up to 3.68kW inverter capacity without requiring formal approval. Larger systems (common in off-grid and hybrid setups) require an application to the electricity network operator, in Orkney’s case Scottish and Southern Energy Networks, to ensure they don’t destabilise the local electricity grid. With the level of grid-constraint in Orkney any system above the 3.68kW single phase capacity needs to be well designed to receive approval from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks.

• Are there grants or incentives available in Orkney?

  While there are currently no universal solar panel grants for all households, the following apply:

  • 0% VAT on domestic solar and battery systems – a major saving on your installation
  • The Smart Export Guarantee – the Smart Export Guarantee provides a small income for energy exported to the national grid
  • Potential for smart tariff income – Some smart meter enabled tariffs from providers like Octopus allow for access to cheaper electricity, but also provider export income for energy from solar PV and/or batteries to the national grid.

  Get in touch with ReFLEX Orkney or Home Energy Scotland Orkney for the latest guidance.

• Can I run my house entirely on solar power?

  In Orkney, full off-grid living is possible but challenging in winter, given the limited daylight hours, but possible with the correct turbine, solar and battery set-up. However, the cost to develop such a system is often higher than the potential savings. Most households aim for partial self-sufficiency, using solar panels plus a battery and smart meter to reduce grid dependency.

  As outlined above the exact specification of the system that will suit each individual house depends upon various factors

• How much can I save on my electricity bills?

  With solar, typical savings range from £600 to £1,000 per year, depending on:

  • System size and battery storage
  • Local solar potential (roof orientation and island weather)
  • Your electricity tariff (especially if using off-peak charging)
  • Whether you shift usage to sunny periods (e.g., daytime laundry or EV charging)
  • Your export tariff, which lets you earn money from unused solar power
• How can I make the most of my solar panels?

  In Orkney, where sun can be sporadic, it's key to use your solar power when it’s being generated:

  • Time heavy appliances for bright periods
  • Charge your EV or battery during the day
  • Install a diverter to heat your hot water tank using excess solar
  • Use smart controls to track generation and optimise use

  A battery helps you store energy for evening use or dull days, and can also be charged on a dual-rate tariff overnight.

• Which direction should my panels face?

  In the UK, south-facing panels provide the best generation. However, south-east and south-west orientations still receive about 95% of optimal sunlight – and work well in Orkney when combined with smart usage and battery storage.

  Even north-facing panels can generate about 60% of what south-facing ones do, especially during Orkney’s long summer days with high solar angles.

• Are modern panels better than older ones?

  Yes – today’s monocrystalline panels are significantly more efficient than older models. If you already have an older array, consider:

  • Upgrading your inverter to microinverters for better shading resilience
  • Adding battery storage to make better use of the solar you generate
  • Expanding your system (if possible), but note this could affect Feed-in Tariff eligibility
• Is solar worth it without the Feed-in Tariff?

  Absolutely. While the FIT scheme is closed to new applicants, solar is still a great investment in Orkney:

  • Reduce bills and carbon footprint
  • Improve energy resilience
  • Export surplus to the grid for income
  • Save more over time as energy prices rise and insure some of your electricity usage from sudden price spikes
• Can I install solar on all roof types?

  Solar panels can be fitted on most roof types: tiled, slate, metal, flat, or pitched. If your roof isn't suitable, ground-mounted systems are also a good option, especially for homes with adjacent land.

• What accreditations should I look for?

  When choosing an installer in Orkney, make sure they are:

  • MCS certified – required for most incentives and export payments
  • RECC or HIES member – ensures consumer protections
  • NAPIT or NICEIC approved – for electrical work

  ReFLEX only recommends installers that are MCS certified.

• How long does it take to install?

  In most cases, installation takes 2–3 days, plus time for scaffolding and final commissioning.

  Your local installer will manage the process from start to finish. It may take a little while for your installer to find time in their schedule to fit your installation in, as all trades in Orkney are generally very busy.