Can I get solar panels on finance in Scotland?

How does solar panel finance work?

Solar panel finance lets you spread the cost of an installation over monthly payments instead of paying the full amount upfront. With interest-free credit, you repay the cost of the system in instalments without paying interest on the balance, so the total you pay is the cost of the installation itself rather than the cost plus interest charges.

Finance is arranged for your specific installation, so the amount you can borrow, the term and the monthly payment all depend on the system you choose and your individual circumstances. We do not advertise specific APRs, lender names or monthly payment amounts on this website because those vary case by case. Everything is confirmed in writing before you sign. For an idea of what a system costs before finance, see our guide to solar panel costs in Scotland.

What is interest-free credit?

Interest-free credit is a regulated consumer credit agreement where the lender does not charge interest on the amount you borrow. You repay the principal in monthly instalments over an agreed term. Because no interest is added, the total amount repayable equals the cost of the installation, provided you keep to the agreed schedule.

Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status, is the main finance option we discuss. It is available for qualifying domestic, commercial and farm installations carried out through MCS-certified installer partners. As with any credit agreement, terms and conditions apply, and missing payments can affect your credit rating and cost you money.

How are monthly payments structured?

Monthly payments are structured over an agreed term set out in your finance agreement. The amount you pay each month depends on the amount financed, the term and any deposit. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but you are debt-free sooner; a longer term means lower monthly payments over a longer period.

Your installer partner provides a written, itemised quote for the installation first. The finance terms for that specific quote are then confirmed in writing by the lender before you sign. You should read both documents carefully and make sure you understand the monthly payment, the term, the total amount repayable and any deposit before proceeding.

Does 0% VAT apply to financed installations?

Yes. The UK government's 0% VAT relief on qualifying solar PV, battery storage and heat pump installations runs until 31 March 2027, and it applies whether you pay upfront or use finance. The installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installation company and meet the eligibility criteria. Because 0% VAT applies to the installation cost itself, financing an eligible installation does not add VAT back on.

If you are also adding battery storage, the 0% VAT relief covers qualifying battery installations too. Your installer partner can confirm how the relief applies to your specific system in the written quote.

What does "subject to status" mean?

"Subject to status" is a standard condition of consumer credit. It means the lender carries out an assessment — typically a credit check and an affordability assessment — before approving finance and setting the terms. Not every applicant will be offered the full £30,000, and the term offered may differ from the headline example.

This is normal for any regulated credit agreement and is there to ensure lending is responsible and affordable. If your circumstances mean a lower amount or a different term is offered, the lender confirms this in writing before you sign, so you can decide whether to proceed. You are not committed to anything until the agreement is signed.

Do I need a deposit, and is finance covered by Section 75?

Deposit requirements depend on the lender and your individual circumstances. Some finance arrangements require a deposit, while others do not. Any deposit, the amount financed, the term and the monthly payment are all set out in writing before you sign, so there are no surprises.

Where finance is provided under a regulated consumer credit agreement, you may benefit from Section 75 protection, which makes the creditor jointly liable with the supplier if something goes wrong with the installation. The level of protection depends on the specific agreement. Your lender and installer partner can confirm in writing how this applies to your arrangement.

Can businesses and farms get solar finance?

Yes. Interest-free credit up to £30,000, subject to status, is available for qualifying commercial and farm installations as well as domestic ones. For larger commercial systems — for example on barns, warehouses or industrial units — additional commercial finance arrangements may also be available. See our commercial solar page or our guide to how funding works for more on business options.

How do I apply for solar finance?

The first step is a written, itemised quote from an MCS-certified installer partner. Submit your postcode through the form on this page or call 0141 230 0198 and we will connect you with one. After your free site survey and quote, finance terms for your specific installation are confirmed in writing before you sign anything. We cover all 32 Scottish council areas and never reject an enquiry because of postcode.

For more answers to common renewable energy questions, visit More answers from Scottish Energy Efficiency.