Solar for farms in Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders are home to extensive mixed farming — sheep, beef cattle, arable and dairy. Farm steadings across the Tweed valley and surrounding hills often have large south-facing roofs ideal for solar PV.
What are the local farm buildings like in Scottish Borders?
Borders farm buildings are predominantly traditional stone-built steadings with slate roofs, found throughout the Tweed valley, Lauderdale and Teviotdale. Many farms have extended their steadings with modern steel-frame sheds for livestock housing and machinery. The traditional steadings often have good south-facing roof planes, though some are shaded by surrounding hills.
Which roof types work best for solar here?
The Tweed valley’s steadings frequently offer south-facing pitched roofs at 30–45 degrees — close to ideal for solar PV in Scotland. However, the rolling hill terrain means shading from ridgelines can be a factor, particularly in winter when the sun is low. Your survey uses a shading analysis to assess actual generation potential. Modern machinery sheds on flatter ground near Kelso and Coldstream are less affected by shading.
What is the typical energy use for farms in Scottish Borders?
Borders farms typically have mixed energy profiles. Sheep farms have relatively low electricity use — fencing, lighting and workshop equipment. Beef and dairy operations have higher loads from livestock housing, milking and refrigeration. Arable farms around the Merse have harvest-season grain drying peaks. Your survey identifies which buildings and loads offer the best return on solar investment.
Does battery storage make sense in Scottish Borders?
For Borders dairy farms, battery storage helps with evening milking. For mixed farms with moderate daytime use, a smaller battery may be sufficient. Arable farms with seasonal drying loads benefit from larger storage. The hilly terrain and potential for power outages in more remote valleys also makes battery storage attractive for resilience.
How does Scottish daylight affect solar output in Scottish Borders?
The Borders receive around 1,250–1,350 sunshine hours per year — slightly less than the east coast but more than the west. The hilly terrain can reduce effective daylight hours in valleys, particularly in winter when the sun is low. South-facing roofs above the valley floor get the best year-round generation.
Nearby areas we also cover
We arrange surveys across all of Scotland’s farming regions. Areas near Scottish Borders that we cover include: Dumfries & Galloway, Central Scotland. See our full areas covered page for all regions.
Arrange a no-obligation survey in Scottish Borders
Tell us about your farm in the TD postcode area and we'll arrange a survey and quote.
Get a quote nowFrequently asked questions
Do hills in the Borders affect solar output?
Hills and ridgelines can shade roofs in valleys, particularly in winter when the sun is low. Your survey includes a shading analysis to assess the actual impact on your buildings. South-facing roofs above the valley floor are generally unaffected and offer excellent generation potential.
Can you install solar on a sheep farm in the Borders?
Yes. While sheep farms have lower electricity use than dairy or arable operations, solar PV can still offset fencing, lighting, workshop and water pumping costs. Your survey assesses whether the energy savings justify the system cost for your specific operation.
Do you cover the TD postcode area?
Yes. We arrange surveys across the TD postcode area covering the Scottish Borders, including Hawick, Kelso, Galashiels, Peebles and surrounding areas. Contact us with your farm postcode to arrange a no-obligation survey.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Reviewed by the Scot Energy Efficiency team.