Solar export in Perth and Kinross
Quick answer
Can rural Perthshire homes export solar power?
Yes. Perth averages around 835 kWh per kWp a year, so a 4kW system could generate roughly 3,340 kWh. Homes, farms and estates across Perth and Kinross connect to the SSEN network, and any surplus they export can be paid by a supplier under the Smart Export Guarantee, once the installation is MCS certified.
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Covering Perth, Kinross, Crieff, Pitlochry, Blairgowrie, Aberfeldy and nearby.
Farms, estates and homes off the gas network
Perth and Kinross is a large, mostly rural area stretching from the Carse of Gowrie to Highland Perthshire. Many homes around Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Crieff and Comrie are not on the mains gas network, and farms and estates often have barns, sheds or land that can take larger arrays than a typical house roof.
Glens and wooded valleys can cast long shadows in winter, so shading from hills and trees is worth checking during the survey. In Perth, Kinross and Blairgowrie, most homes have standard pitched roofs. Parts of Highland Perthshire fall within the Cairngorms National Park, where planning rules can differ, so check with the planning authority first.
Local generation estimate for Perth
Using PVGIS data and the MCS MIS 3002 method, Perth averages about 835 kWh per kWp a year. A 4kW system would produce around 3,340 kWh. If about 65% is exported, that is roughly 2,171 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 Perth & Kinross
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 Perth & Kinross
Do hills and trees affect solar output in Perthshire?
They can. Low winter sun is easily blocked by hillsides and tall trees, so the installer checks shading during the survey and reflects it in the generation estimate for your roof.
Who is the network operator in Perth and Kinross?
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). Rural lines can have limited capacity, so larger systems may need a G99 application and SSEN may set an export limit.
Can an estate or farm in Perthshire install a large solar system?
Yes, subject to roof or land suitability, planning and grid approval. Our Business & Farms page explains commercial and agricultural projects.
Get a solar quote in Perth & Kinross
No obligation. We install through MCS-certified partners across Scotland.