How much will solar panels produce in Edinburgh?
A 4 kWp system facing south at 35° tilt in Edinburgh produces about 3,691 kWh a year. In a weak year that is 3,078 kWh, in a good one 4,305 kWh — 923 kWh per kWp.
That’s about 137% of a typical home’s yearly use (2,700 kWh).
Based on 2014–2023 satellite weather data
Production by month
kWh per month
A typical day in May
The sunniest month in Edinburgh. Output peaks around 12:00 solar time, at about 1.8 kWh in the best hour.
Month by month
| Month | Weak year, kWh | Typical year, kWh | Good year, kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 82 | 110 | 138 |
| February | 162 | 208 | 253 |
| March | 258 | 321 | 384 |
| April | 318 | 413 | 509 |
| May | 398 | 499 | 600 |
| June | 361 | 454 | 546 |
| July | 396 | 486 | 576 |
| August | 357 | 436 | 516 |
| September | 275 | 330 | 386 |
| October | 183 | 230 | 276 |
| November | 100 | 128 | 157 |
| December | 64 | 85 | 107 |
| Year | 3,078 | 3,691 | 4,305 |
The months don’t add up exactly to the yearly figure, because each one is the typical value across many years.
Common questions
How much do solar panels produce in winter in Edinburgh?
From November to February the system produces about 531 kWh, which is 14% of the year. The weakest month (December) gives roughly 85 kWh.
Is an east-west roof worth it in Edinburgh?
An east-west system typically produces 10–25% less per kWp than one facing south, but spreads production more evenly through the day. The exact difference depends on tilt and shading.
Ground mount or roof in Edinburgh?
A ground mount can be tilted and aimed freely, which can add some yield, but it costs more and needs space. Compare both for your own plot.
Your roof is not an average roof
Set your own tilt, direction, shading and inverter limit and get a range for your address.
Calculate for my roofClimate data: Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) — European Commission, Joint Research Centre