The Engineering Behind
Scotland's Best
Solar Installations
Scottish Energy Efficiency designs every solar installation using PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) satellite irradiance data specific to each property's exact coordinates in Scotland. We exclusively use monocrystalline solar panels with efficiencies of 20–23%, which outperform polycrystalline panels in Scotland's predominantly diffuse light conditions. Our installations consistently achieve a performance ratio of 0.80–0.85 — above industry average. Call 0141 230 0198 for a technical solar assessment.
System Performance Snapshot
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Solar Panel Comparison for Scotland
Not all solar panels perform equally in Scottish conditions. Here's our technical comparison.
| Specification | Monocrystalline | Polycrystalline | Thin Film |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | 20-23% | 15-17% | 7-13% |
| Diffuse Light | Excellent | ⚠️ Good | Good |
| Temperature | Better | ⚠️ Average | Best |
| Scotland Suitability | Ideal | ⚠️ OK | Flat roofs only |
| Our Recommendation | YES | — | Flat roofs only |
Our Specification: We use monocrystalline panels for all Scottish pitched roof installations — highest efficiency in Scotland's diffuse light conditions. Top brands include Longi Hi-MO (up to 22.8% efficiency), JA Solar, and Jinko Tiger series.
Solar Inverter Comparison
The inverter converts DC power from your panels to AC power for your home. Here's how to choose.
String Inverter
Microinverter
Power Optimizer
Which inverter type is right for your roof?
We assess your specific roof conditions, shading profile, and budget to recommend the optimal inverter technology. Call for a technical assessment.
0141 230 0198How We Use PVGIS Data
Every system we design uses PVGIS — the EU Photovoltaic Geographical Information System — for accurate energy yield predictions.
Satellite Irradiance Data
PVGIS uses actual satellite measurements of solar irradiance for your specific location in Scotland. We input your exact coordinates to get location-specific solar resource data.
Roof Parameters
We input your roof pitch (angle), orientation (azimuth), and any shading factors. PVGIS calculates how these parameters affect annual generation.
System Sizing
We size the system to generate 90–110% of your annual electricity consumption, accounting for system losses, inverter efficiency, and temperature effects.
Performance Prediction
PVGIS provides month-by-month generation estimates. We target a performance ratio of 0.80–0.85 — our systems consistently achieve this through quality components and installation.
Example: A 4kW system in Edinburgh with a 35° south-facing roof generates approximately 3,400 kWh/year according to PVGIS. With typical consumption of 3,000 kWh/year, this system would meet 113% of annual demand.
Technical Solar System Pricing
All systems designed using PVGIS data. 0% VAT until 31 March 2027.
⏰ 0% VAT expires 31 March 2027 — Save 20% versus standard VAT
Call 0141 230 0198 — Free Technical AssessmentTechnical FAQs
Common technical questions about solar installations in Scotland
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PVGIS-based system design. Monocrystalline panels. High-efficiency inverters. Scotland-specific engineering.
Visit our main hub: scottishenergyefficiency.co.uk