Solar export in Stirling and Falkirk
Quick answer
What should Stirling and Falkirk solar owners know about exporting?
Stirling averages around 848 kWh per kWp a year, giving a 4kW system roughly 3,390 kWh. Most homes in Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire connect through SP Energy Networks, while some northern rural parts are served by SSEN. Either way, you are paid for exported electricity by your supplier under a Smart Export Guarantee tariff.
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Covering Stirling, Falkirk, Grangemouth, Larbert, Alloa, Callander and nearby.
Towns, the Trossachs and the Forth valley
Falkirk, Grangemouth, Larbert, Alloa and Stirling itself have a mix of terraces, former council homes and newer estates with roofs that suit standard systems. Stirling's historic Old Town around the castle is a conservation area, so homes there may need planning permission or listed building consent.
To the north and west, villages such as Callander, Aberfoyle and Killin sit within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, where planning rules can be stricter. The flat farmland of the Carse of Stirling and the Forth valley has open, unshaded land and farm roofs that can take larger arrays.
Local generation estimate for Stirling
Using PVGIS data and the MCS MIS 3002 method, Stirling averages about 848 kWh per kWp a year. A 4kW system would produce around 3,392 kWh. If about 65% is exported, that is roughly 2,205 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 Stirling & Falkirk
Most of this area is served by SP Energy Networks (SPEN), while some northern and rural parts are served by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN). Your connection documents confirm which applies. 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 Stirling & Falkirk
Do I need planning permission for solar in the Trossachs?
Inside Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, on a listed building or in a conservation area, permission may be needed. Check with the national park authority or Stirling Council before work starts.
Which network operator covers Falkirk?
SP Energy Networks covers Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire, with SSEN serving some rural areas further north. Your installer confirms which applies when submitting the G98 or G99 paperwork.
How much can a 4kW system generate near Stirling?
Using the local figure of around 848 kWh per kWp a year, a 4kW system could produce roughly 3,390 kWh. Roof direction, pitch and shading change the figure for your own home.
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