One of the biggest questions UK homeowners ask is: “Will solar even work on my roof?” The good news: most UK homes are suitable, even those that aren’t perfectly south-facing.
Here’s a complete suitability checklist for Solar Panel Compatibility
1. Roof Orientation for Solar Panels (Direction)
- South-facing roofs generate the most energy — the ideal scenario.
- East- or west-facing roofs still perform extremely well, delivering around 80% of the energy of south-facing roofs.
- North-facing roofs generate less but may still be viable with modern high‐efficiency panels and microinverters.
2. Roof Pitch for Solar Panels (Angle)
- The optimal roof pitch in the UK is 30–40°, but solar can be installed outside this range.
- Flat roofs can use tilt‐mount systems to ensure panels face the sun correctly.
3. Shading
A roof heavily shaded by trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings may reduce performance:
- Light shading = usually fine
- Significant shading = may require microinverters to minimise loss
4. Roof Condition & Materials
Most UK roofing materials — including concrete tiles and slate — are compatible with solar.
However:
- Weak or damaged roofs should be repaired before installation
- Some materials (e.g., thatch, asbestos) are unsuitable
5. Roof Size
- A typical 4kW system (suitable for many UK homes) needs around 20 m2 of roof
space.
Conclusion
If you’re unsure whether your home qualifies, National Eco Energy can provide a free suitability assessment with accurate generation estimates and recommendations.
Find Out Exactly What Your Roof Can Deliver
Most UK homes are suitable for solar — but the best way to know for sure is with a professional assessment.