Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy | Solar Installation | Electrical | Kelso
Harness Kelso’s plentiful Borders sunshine with HEP’s expert solar installation service and start converting daylight into dependable, low-cost electricity for your home or business. Our local team designs each system around your roof shape, energy profile and future ambitions, using high-efficiency panels and smart monitoring so you can watch every kilowatt roll in. From the first site survey to final grid connection, we handle the paperwork, planning consents and electrical upgrades, letting you enjoy the switch to clean power without the hassle.
Choosing HEP means partnering with qualified electricians who grew up in the Scottish Borders and understand its unique weather patterns, roofing styles and community values. We focus on long-term performance: robust mounting that stands up to Kelso winds, tidy cable runs that respect your property’s aesthetics, and clear guidance on warranties, export tariffs and battery options. Reduce your carbon footprint, lock in energy savings and add lasting value to your property—let HEP put the sun to work for you.
FAQs
Is Kelso sunny enough for a solar PV system to be worthwhile?
Yes. Kelso and the wider Scottish Borders receive an average global horizontal irradiance of 950–1,050 kWh per square metre a year. A well-oriented 4 kW domestic array typically generates 3,300–3,800 kWh annually, which can cover 70 – 90 % of a typical household’s daytime electricity demand. Even on overcast days modern panels still generate power from diffused light, so the local climate is more than adequate for a solid return on investment.
What incentives or financial schemes are available for homeowners in Kelso?
While the UK Feed-in Tariff closed to new applicants in 2019, you can still earn from the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). All major energy suppliers must pay you for every kilowatt-hour you export to the grid. Typical SEG rates in 2024 range from 5p to 15p per kWh. In Scotland you can also apply for an interest-free Home Energy Scotland Loan of up to £6,000 for solar PV and an additional £6,000 for battery storage, subject to funding availability. VAT on domestic solar installations has been reduced to 0 % until 2027, trimming upfront costs further.
How much will I save and what is the expected payback period?
Savings depend on array size, self-consumption rate and tariff structure. A 4 kW system in Kelso producing ~3,500 kWh per year can save £600-£800 on your electricity bill at current unit prices of 18-23p/kWh. Exporting one-third of that output at 10p/kWh via SEG earns another ~£115. Total annual benefit: £715-£915. With an installed cost of £5,500-£6,500, payback is typically 7-9 years, while panels are warrantied for 25 years and often last 30+ years.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels in the Scottish Borders Council area?
Most domestic roof-mounted solar arrays are considered Permitted Development, so you usually won’t need planning permission if panels project less than 20 cm from the roof surface, sit below the ridge line, and are not installed on a listed building or within a conservation area. Ground-mounted systems under 9 m² also fall under Permitted Development. If your property is listed or in a conservation area, or if you plan a larger ground array, we’ll guide you through the Scottish Borders Council planning application process.
How long does the installation process take and will my power be disrupted?
From the day scaffolding goes up, a typical residential roof-mount system is mechanically fixed and wired in 1–2 days. Including electrical testing, commissioning and hand-over, the whole on-site phase rarely exceeds three days. We schedule a brief power shut-off (usually under 30 minutes) while the inverter and consumer-unit connections are made. Prior to installation we handle the DNO (Distribution Network Operator) submission and any structural calculations, which normally adds 2–4 weeks but requires no action from you.
What maintenance do solar panels require in Kelso’s climate?
Solar PV is low-maintenance. Panels have no moving parts and are sealed against moisture. Rainfall in Kelso is sufficient to keep most arrays clean; an annual visual inspection and occasional hose-down if a build-up of bird droppings or moss occurs is usually enough. We include a 5-year workmanship warranty and recommend a professional electrical test (IV curve and insulation resistance) every 5 years, which costs around £120. Inverters often need replacement after 12-15 years; we supply models with 10-year extendable warranties and will advise on options when the time comes.