Do Solar Panels Need to Face South?
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels, you’ve probably heard that they should face south. But is this really necessary for your solar panel system to work well? Let’s break it down in simple terms for UK homeowners.
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Why Direction for Solar Panels Matters
Solar panels work by capturing sunlight and turning it into electricity. The direction your solar panels face—called “orientation”—affects how much direct sunlight they get, and this impacts your energy production and electricity bills.
South facing solar panels on a south facing roof get the most direct sunlight throughout the day in the northern hemisphere. This means your solar PV system will produce the most energy possible, helping you save more on energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
What does this mean? In simple terms, a south facing roof lets your solar panels soak up as much sunlight as possible, so you get more electricity generated from your solar panel system.
Can Solar Panels Work on Other Roof Directions?
East and West Facing Roofs
East facing panels and west facing panels can still produce a significant amount of energy, just not as much as south facing panels. East facing panels will generate more energy in the morning, while west facing panels will produce more electricity in the afternoon and evening.
What does this mean? Even if your roof isn’t south facing, you can still benefit from solar power and lower your electricity bills.
North Facing Roofs
North facing solar panels or a north facing roof are the least ideal because they get the least direct sunlight. Energy output will be lower, but with modern solar technology like monocrystalline solar panels and bifacial solar panels, you can still produce energy, especially if you have limited roof space or use ground mounted solar panels.
In simple terms: North facing panels will work, but you’ll get less energy generation compared to other directions.
What About Flat Roofs and Ground Mounted Solar Panels?
If you have a flat roof, solar panel installers can adjust the angle of your rooftop solar panels to face south and optimise sunlight capture.
Ground mounted solar panels give you even more flexibility. You can set up your solar array at the ideal angle and direction for maximum sunlight, which means more solar energy and consistent energy generation.
How Much Energy Will My Solar Panels Produce?
The amount of electricity generated depends on the direction, roof angle (roof pitch), and the type of solar panels you use.
Use a solar panel calculator to estimate how much electricity your solar PV system will produce based on your roof orientation and location.
Installing panels on a south facing roof will maximise energy production, but even east, west, or north facing panels can help lower your energy bills and provide renewable energy options.
Other Factors to Consider
Roof repairs: Make sure your roof is in good condition before solar panel installation.
Roof space: Limited roof space may mean you need higher efficiency panels or a ground mounted system.
Battery storage: Adding battery storage lets you use more electricity generated by your solar panels, even when the sun isn’t shining.
Installation costs: South facing panels may give you the best return, but solar installation is still worth considering for other roof directions.
| Roof Direction | Energy Output vs. South | What This Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| South facing panels | 100% | Maximum sunlight, more electricity, lower energy bills |
| East/West facing | 85-92% | Slightly less energy, but still significant savings |