Would solar panels work on your home?
You don’t need to choose panels or book a sales appointment to start finding out. Roof space, direction, shading and condition are the first things to consider. Send me your Scottish property for a free initial visual check, and I’ll reply by email. No obligation and no sales call required.
Check my roof free ↓Solar: good idea or just wishful thinking?
“In Scotland? Have you seen the weather?” It’s a fair question. Before discussing equipment or cost, start with your own roof.
Read the comic conversation
Him: “Should we look into solar?” Her: “In Scotland? Have you seen the weather?”
Him: “They use daylight. It doesn’t have to be blazing sunshine.” Her: “Fair enough. But would OUR roof work?”
Her: “And what about the cost?” Him: “Let’s check the roof before we talk about buying anything.”
Him: “TomSolar offers a free first look, with a reply by email.” Her: “Good. Let’s give the roof a job interview!”
Give your roof a job interview
Enter your address, confirm the correct building on the map and leave your details. I’ll email my initial view on whether solar looks worth exploring further.
Check my roof free ↓An initial visual assessment, not a full survey, system design or installation quotation.
Check my roof free
Enter your Scottish address to start. It takes about a minute to identify and confirm the correct roof.
Is this the correct property?
Drag and zoom the map until the green crosshair is centred on the exact building you want checked.
Check carefully — particularly for semi-detached homes, terraces, farms, named properties and addresses where several buildings share the same postcode.
Send this roof to Tom
Leave your details and Tom will check whether the roof appears to have enough usable space to make solar worth discussing.
Is my house suitable for solar panels in Scotland?
Suitability depends on the property, not just the postcode. These are the questions to work through before investing.
Do solar panels work in Scotland?
Yes. Panels generate electricity from daylight, including in cloudy conditions, but brighter light produces more. Scotland’s short winter days mean much less generation than in summer. A useful assessment looks at annual output and seasonal demand.
Solar in winter and cloudy weather →Does my roof need to face south?
South-facing roofs often offer strong annual output, but east- and west-facing roofs can also be suitable. Pitch, shading and when you use electricity influence the result. North-facing roofs need particular care and a realistic generation estimate.
Understanding roof direction →What if trees or buildings shade my roof?
Shade reduces output. Its timing and extent matter, and a single aerial image cannot establish shading throughout the year. Tell me about nearby trees or buildings in your enquiry; detailed shading still needs checking before a system is designed.
Shading and solar optimisers →Is my roof big enough?
Usable space matters more than total roof area. Chimneys, dormers, roof windows and installation clearances affect the layout. The free check gives a first impression; verified measurements and a proper design establish how many panels can fit.
How many solar panels might you need? →Can solar panels go on an old roof?
Age alone does not answer that. Condition, structure and likely repair needs matter. If roof work is due, discuss it before fitting panels. The initial visual check does not certify roof condition or structural suitability; those require proper inspection.
Roof condition, fixings and leaks →What will the free roof check tell me?
I look at apparent usable space, roof direction and obvious obstacles, then email an initial view on whether solar is worth investigating further. It does not confirm dimensions, structural condition, a final layout, generation or savings. Those come with further assessment if you choose to proceed.
Send your roof for a free check →General suitability guidance: Energy Saving Trust’s solar panel guide. Page updated 8 October 2026.
Find out whether your roof is worth exploring ↑