Wall mounted solar panels are often suggested as an alternative when roof space is limited. On paper, they sound like a smart workaround. In reality, they're rarely the best option for most UK homes. However, wall mounted solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, especially for properties with limited roof space or challenging roof orientations.
This guide explains how they work, where they make sense, and why roof mounted solar panels are usually the better choice. Wall mounted solar panels offer certain advantages and benefits, such as flexibility in installation and potential for energy savings, which will be discussed in detail later in the article.
What are wall mounted solar panels?
Wall mounted solar pv panels are panels mounted directly onto the exterior walls of a property, rather than on the roof.
Solar panels mounted on walls use solar technology to capture sunlight and generate electricity, functioning similarly to roof-mounted systems but with some differences in efficiency due to their vertical orientation.
They generate electricity in the same way as any solar panel system:
- Sunlight hits the panels
- Electricity is generated
- Power is used in your home or exported
- Roof mounted solar panels are angled to capture more sunlight
- Wall mounted panels sit vertically, which reduces how much energy they can generate
- Lower peak output
- Less electricity generated overall
- Slower return on investment
- Sunlight hits at a less optimal angle
- Energy generation is reduced, especially in summer
- You don't get the maximum amount of output from the system
- You have very limited roof space or limited space on your property
- Your roof is north facing and unsuitable
- You're working around planning restrictions
- You want to add extra capacity to an existing system
- Structural checks
- Strong fixing systems
- Specialized wall anchors are necessary to securely attach wall-mounted solar panels, which can weigh between 18 and 22 kg each.
- The wall must be structurally sound to support the weight of the panels and specialized mounting brackets.
- Consultation with an MCS-certified installer is recommended for site assessment and modeling expected performance.
- More involved installation
- Affect the building's appearance
- Require planning permission, especially in conservation areas or listed buildings
- Be restricted in conservation areas or listed buildings
- Generate electricity
- Reduce reliance on the grid
- Lower electricity bills
- They can be more noticeable than roof panels
- They change the building's appearance more directly
- They may not be suitable in sensitive planning areas
- Increase total system size
- Use available space more efficiently
- Maximise roof mounted solar
- Only consider wall mounted panels if needed
- Smart Export Guarantee (sell surplus electricity)
- Standard solar system warranties
- Building structure
- Wall strength
- Building orientation (south-facing walls are essential for maximizing sunlight exposure and optimizing the placement of wall-mounted solar PV panels)
- Shading
- Generate more electricity
- Deliver better energy savings
- Offer a stronger return on investment
- Roof installation isn't possible
- You need additional capacity beyond your roof
Wall-mounted solar panels can be tilted at a slight angle to improve efficiency, but not as much as roof-mounted panels.
They're typically installed on a south facing wall to try and maximise sunlight exposure.
Each standard solar panel is about 1.7m x 1m, and a typical 3kW system requires 13–15 square meters of unobstructed wall space for installation.
Do wall mounted solar panels work as well as roof mounted systems?
Short answer: no.
Traditional roof installations are the standard for solar panel setup, as they are typically angled to capture more sunlight.
The biggest issue is angle.
This means:
Wall-mounted solar panels typically perform worse than roof-mounted ones because they're usually unable to absorb as much sunlight throughout the day. However, if installed on a south-facing wall, wall-mounted solar panels can capture up to 70–75% of the solar energy of a roof-mounted array.
Even a well-positioned wall mounted system will usually underperform compared to a standard roof mounted system.
Why does vertical orientation matter?
Solar panels perform best when they're angled toward the sun.
With wall mounted panels:
In the UK, where sunlight is already limited, this drop in efficiency matters.
Are wall mounted panels ever a good option?
Wall mounted solar PV panels can be a good alternative to traditional roof installations in certain scenarios. There are some situations where they can work:
Wall-mounted solar panels are a viable solution for clean energy generation and can add value to your property. They are also often chosen for their sleek, modern aesthetic.
Even in these cases, they're usually a secondary option rather than the main system.
What are the downsides of wall mounted solar panels?
Lower energy generation
They simply produce less electricity than roof mounted solar panels.
Higher cost per kWh
Because output is lower, your cost per unit of electricity generated is higher.
More complex installation
Mounting onto walls requires panels to be mounted directly onto the wall, which involves specialized installation techniques:
Planning considerations
Wall installations are more likely to:
In the UK, wall-mounted solar panels are generally considered permitted development, meaning planning permission is not usually required for installation unless your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building. Permitted development rights apply if the panels do not protrude more than 200mm from the wall and do not exceed the roof height. If you live in a listed building or a building in a conservation area, you should check with your local planning authority to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations before proceeding with installation.
Can they still reduce electricity bills?
Yes, but not as effectively.
They will:
Wall-mounted solar panels can also contribute to improved energy efficiency in the home.
Some households in low-income brackets may be eligible for energy efficiency upgrades, including wall-mounted solar systems, under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme.
But the savings are smaller compared to a roof mounted system of the same size.
What about aesthetics?
One benefit of wall mounted solar panels is their potential to enhance the modern aesthetic of a building, though this is subjective. Some people consider wall mounted panels for visual reasons, but in practice:
A well-designed roof mounted system is often less visually intrusive.
Is combining wall and roof mounted panels a good idea?
In some cases, yes.
Combining wall mounted solar PV panels with roof installations can maximize the use of available space for solar energy generation.
A combined system can:
But the priority should always be:
Do wall mounted panels qualify for SEG and incentives?
Yes, they still qualify for:
However, because they generate less electricity, the financial return is lower.
Are they suitable for all buildings?
No. Suitability depends on:
Wall-mounted solar panels are best installed on south-facing walls to maximize sunlight exposure. A typical three-bedroom household in the UK can support only two to three wall-mounted solar panels, compared to 8–10 panels on a roof.
A feasibility assessment is always needed before installation.
How do wall mounted solar panels perform in regions with limited sunlight?
Wall mounted solar panels can still be a practical solution in regions where sunlight is limited, such as the North East of England. While overall energy output may be lower compared to sunnier areas, installing wall mounted solar panels on a south facing wall helps capture the maximum available sunlight throughout the day. Even in less sunny climates, a well-designed wall mounted solar panel system can generate enough electricity to make a noticeable difference in your electricity bills and help reduce your carbon footprint.
To get the most from wall mounted solar panels in these conditions, it's essential to carry out a thorough feasibility assessment. This will help determine the best placement for your panels, taking into account the building's orientation, potential shading, and local weather patterns. With careful planning, wall mounted solar panels can still contribute to meaningful energy savings and support your move towards greener energy, even in areas with less sunlight.
What should you know about mounting and maintenance?
Proper mounting and regular maintenance are key to getting the best performance from your wall mounted solar panels. The mounting system should be robust enough to handle the UK's weather, including strong winds and heavy rain. Using high-quality materials, such as stainless steel fasteners, ensures the system remains secure and durable over time.
One advantage of the vertical orientation of wall mounted solar panels is that they tend to accumulate less dirt, debris, and snow compared to roof mounted panels, which can reduce the frequency of cleaning. However, it's still important to periodically check the panels and mounting system for any signs of wear, damage, or loose connections. Following the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines and scheduling regular inspections will help keep your solar panel system running efficiently and extend its lifespan.
Should you consider wall mounted panels if you have a north facing roof?
If your property has a north facing roof, installing traditional roof mounted solar panels may not be effective due to limited sunlight exposure. In this situation, wall mounted solar panels on a south facing wall can be a smart alternative. By taking advantage of the sunlight that a south facing wall receives, you can still generate a significant amount of electricity, even if your roof isn't suitable for solar.
Before installing wall mounted panels, it's important to assess your property's specific conditions. Consider factors such as the amount of sunlight your south facing wall receives, any potential shading from nearby buildings or trees, and the structural suitability of the wall. Consulting with a solar expert will help you design a solar panel system that maximizes energy production and ensures a successful installation, even when a north facing roof limits your options.
Final thoughts: should you install wall mounted solar panels?
For most homeowners, wall mounted solar panels are not the best option. When installing solar panels, it's important to consider the differences in installation time and complexity between wall-mounted and roof-mounted systems. Installation of wall-mounted solar PV panels can be faster and more straightforward than roof installations in some cases, but generally takes longer due to the added difficulty compared to roof-mounted systems.
If you have suitable roof space, roof mounted solar panels will:
Wall mounted systems are worth considering only when:
Speak to a solar expert before deciding
At CRG Direct, we'll always recommend the most efficient setup for your property.
That usually means prioritising roof mounted solar panels first.
Use our solar calculator to see how much electricity you could generate and whether your roof is suitable before considering alternatives like wall mounted panels.
For added consumer protection, always choose an installer who is a member of a consumer protection scheme, such as the HIES consumer code, to ensure your investment is safeguarded and quality standards are met.