Solar export in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Quick answer
How well do solar panels perform in the north-east?
In Aberdeen, panels average around 840 kWh per kWp each year, giving a 4kW system roughly 3,360 kWh. Long summer evenings in the north-east help balance short winter days. The network is run by SSEN, and electricity you send to the grid can earn payments through a Smart Export Guarantee tariff.
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Covering Aberdeen, Inverurie, Ellon, Stonehaven, Peterhead, Banchory and nearby.
Granite homes, farms and coastal exposure
Aberdeen's granite houses often have steep slate roofs that suit panels well, provided the roof structure is sound. Exposed coastal sites from Stonehaven to Peterhead can see strong winds, so mounting systems are designed for local wind loads as part of the installation.
Across Aberdeenshire, many farms and rural homes in areas such as Inverurie, Huntly, Ellon and Banchory have outbuildings or land that can take larger arrays. Some rural homes are not on the mains gas network and rely more heavily on electricity, so the balance between using and exporting solar power matters.
Local generation estimate for Aberdeen
Using PVGIS data and the MCS MIS 3002 method, Aberdeen averages about 840 kWh per kWp a year. A 4kW system would produce around 3,360 kWh. If about 65% is exported, that is roughly 2,184 kWh a year sent to the grid. These are estimates, not a promise of income, and what you are paid depends on your supplier's export rate. Your own figure depends on roof direction, pitch, shading and how much electricity you use at home.
Connecting to the grid in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
The local electricity network here is run by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). Most home systems up to 3.68kW per phase are notified under G98 after installation. Larger systems, or a battery that takes total inverter capacity above that limit, need a G99 application before connection. Our installation partner handles this paperwork for you.
Choosing an export tariff
Export payments come from your electricity supplier under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), not from the network operator. Suppliers set their own rates and change them often. Published rates by supplier:
- Octopus Outgoing (12p/kWh)
- E.ON Next (12p/kWh)
- British Gas (9p/kWh)
- Scottish Power (8p/kWh)
Rates change, check the supplier. Last checked August 2026.
Suppliers ask for an MCS certificate before paying for exports. We install through MCS-certified partners, so your system comes with the paperwork suppliers need.
Neighbouring areas
Useful pages
Solar export questions in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire
Are solar panels affected by strong winds on the Aberdeenshire coast?
Panels and mounting rails are designed for local wind loads as part of an MCS installation. The installer assesses roof condition and exposure during the survey.
Who connects solar systems to the grid in Aberdeen?
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) runs the network across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Smaller systems are notified under G98, and larger ones need a G99 application first.
Can a farm in Aberdeenshire export solar electricity?
Yes. Farms can export surplus generation under an export tariff, and larger systems may need a G99 application. Our Business & Farms page explains agricultural projects in more detail.
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