In the UK, the default recommendation is to install solar panels facing south. But why? It’s all about capturing the most sunlight possible. Here’s what you need to know.
Why South-Facing Solar Panels Are Ideal
South-facing roofs get the most direct sunlight throughout the day in the northern hemisphere. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, but it’s generally due south in the middle of the day. That’s when solar panels generate the most energy.
South-facing solar panels:
- Maximise exposure to direct sunlight
- Produce the highest energy yield over a day
- Offer the best return on investment
For most UK homes, south-facing is the most efficient orientation if you’re looking for the best performance and fastest payback.
What If My Roof Doesn’t Face South?
It’s not a dealbreaker. East and west-facing roofs can still produce excellent results. Here’s how they compare:
- East-facing panels: Capture morning sun. Good if you’re home early in the day.
- West-facing panels: Capture afternoon/evening sun. Great if you’re home in the evening.
- North-facing panels: Least effective in the UK. Typically 30–40% less efficient than south-facing.
Many UK homes install east-west arrays to spread energy production throughout the day. The yield is slightly lower overall, but it can match your household’s energy usage patterns more closely.
Other Factors That Matter
Orientation matters, but so do other factors:
- Roof pitch: Ideally 30–40 degrees for UK solar.
- Shading: Chimneys, trees, or nearby buildings can reduce output.
- Panel quality: High-efficiency panels can reduce the gap caused by less-than-ideal orientation.
We often use Aiko, DMEGC and JA Solar panels, which perform well even in low light conditions.
Can Solar Panels Be Tilted to Face South?
Yes. On flat roofs, you can use mounting frames to angle panels southwards. Even on pitched roofs, slight adjustments can sometimes be made.
It’s also possible to use solar tracking systems—which move the panels to follow the sun—but these are rare in domestic setups due to cost and complexity.
Summary: South Is Best, But Not the Only Option
While south-facing is ideal, east-west systems are still cost-effective, especially when paired with a battery. Don’t assume your roof orientation rules out solar. A proper survey will tell you exactly what’s possible.
We’ll design your system to suit your home, usage, and roof.
FAQs – Why Solar Panels Face South
Why do solar panels face south in the UK?
South-facing panels get the most sunlight throughout the day in the northern hemisphere, which maximises energy output.
Can solar panels face east or west?
Yes. East or west-facing panels work well and can still produce 80–90% of what a south-facing system would.
Are north-facing solar panels worth it in the UK?
Usually not. They produce significantly less energy and may not be worth the investment unless heavily subsidised.
Do I need to face my panels exactly south?
Not exactly. Anywhere between southeast and southwest is still very effective.
What’s the best angle for solar panels in the UK?
30–40 degrees is optimal for most of the year. A shallower angle is better in summer, steeper in winter.
Will shading affect south-facing panels less?
Not necessarily. Shading can reduce efficiency no matter which way panels face. We assess shading risks in every survey.
Can I still get SEG payments with east or west-facing panels?
Yes. Your export payments depend on how much excess you generate, not which direction your panels face.
Should I add a battery if my panels don’t face south?
Yes. A battery helps you store energy regardless of when it’s generated, making any system more efficient.
Can I tilt my panels to improve performance?
On flat roofs, yes. Mounting frames can angle panels for better sun exposure.
Do you install solar panels on all roof types?
Yes. We install on pitched, flat, slate, and tile roofs with tailored systems for each.
