Solar export in the Scottish Borders
Quick answer
How do Borders homes get paid for solar exports?
Borders homes are paid by their electricity supplier through a Smart Export Guarantee tariff, once an MCS-certified system is registered. Galashiels averages around 838 kWh per kWp a year, so a 4kW system could produce roughly 3,350 kWh. The local grid is run by SP Energy Networks, which receives the connection notice.
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Covering Galashiels, Hawick, Melrose, Kelso, Peebles, Jedburgh and nearby.
Stone houses, mill towns and farmland
The Borders' mill towns, including Galashiels, Hawick and Selkirk, have many stone terraces and villas with slate roofs. Melrose, Kelso, Jedburgh and Peebles have historic centres with conservation areas, so check with Scottish Borders Council before fitting panels to a roof visible from the street.
The Tweed valley and the farmland around Duns and Coldstream have open aspects with little shading, and farms often have large shed roofs. Hill farms and remote houses in the Cheviots and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys may sit on long rural lines, where SP Energy Networks can limit export for larger systems.
Local generation estimate for Galashiels
Using PVGIS data and the MCS MIS 3002 method, Galashiels averages about 838 kWh per kWp a year. A 4kW system would produce around 3,352 kWh. If about 65% is exported, that is roughly 2,179 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 Scottish Borders
The local electricity network here is run by SP Energy Networks (SPEN). 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 Scottish Borders
Can solar panels go on an old stone house in the Borders?
Usually, if the roof structure is sound. The installer checks the roof timbers and slates during the survey. Listed buildings and conservation areas may need consent from Scottish Borders Council.
Which network operator covers the Scottish Borders?
SP Energy Networks. Most home systems are notified under G98 after installation, and larger systems need a G99 application before connection.
Do I have to get my export tariff from my energy supplier?
Not always. Some suppliers offer export tariffs to anyone, while others only offer their best rates to customers who also buy electricity from them. Compare the current rates before you sign up.
Get a solar quote in Scottish Borders
No obligation. We install through MCS-certified partners across Scotland.