If you’re considering solar panels for your home, you’ve probably heard that they need to face south to work effectively. While south-facing solar panels are often considered the ideal setup in the UK, the reality is much more flexible.
Many homeowners across Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Hertfordshire and the wider South East and East Anglia are surprised to discover that solar panels can still generate excellent amounts of electricity when installed on east, west and even some north-facing roofs.
In this guide, we’ll explain whether solar panels really have to face south, how roof orientation affects performance and what options are available if your roof isn’t perfectly positioned.
The Short Answer: No, Solar Panels Do Not Have to Face South
South-facing roofs generally produce the highest annual solar energy output in the UK because they receive the greatest amount of sunlight throughout the day.
However, modern solar panel technology is highly efficient and many homes now achieve excellent results with solar panels installed on east-facing, west-facing or east-west roof configurations.
In fact, some homeowners may benefit more from an east-west system depending on when they use electricity during the day.
The most important factor isn’t simply roof direction – it’s whether the system is designed correctly for your property and energy usage.
Our Example Solar System
To help illustrate the impact of roof orientation, we’ll use the same example system throughout this guide and compare the expected performance of different roof directions.
The example is based on:
- 8 solar panels rated at 450W each
- Total system size of 3.6kW
- Roof pitch of 45 degrees
- Same property location
- Same panel specification
- Same electricity usage assumptions
The only variable that changes is the direction the solar panels face.
| Roof Orientation | Degrees from South | Annual Generation | Estimated First-Year Savings |
| South | 0 | 4,142.88 kWh | £746.12 |
| East | 90 | 3,179.52 kWh | £601.62 |
| West | 90 | 3,179.52 kWh | £601.62 |
| East-West Split | 90 | 3,179.52 kWh | £601.62 |
| North | 180 | 1,952.64 kWh | £417.58 |
As these figures demonstrate, south-facing roofs deliver the highest annual output. However, east-facing, west-facing and east-west systems still generate substantial amounts of electricity and can provide significant savings for homeowners.
Why South-Facing Roofs Are Considered Best
The UK sits in the northern hemisphere, meaning the sun travels across the southern part of the sky. Due to this, south-facing solar panels typically:
- Receive sunlight for the longest period each day
- Generate the highest annual electricity output
- Maximise potential export payments
- Deliver the quickest financial return in many cases
A south-facing roof at an angle of approximately 30-40 degrees is generally considered optimal for solar generation in the UK.
However, very few homes have a “perfect” roof, and that doesn’t mean solar isn’t worthwhile.
In our example system, the south-facing roof generated 4,142.88 kWh per year and delivered an estimated first year, saving of £746.12. This represents the highest performance of all the orientations tested and demonstrates why south-facing roofs are often regarded as the benchmark for solar installations in the UK.
How Well Do East-Facing Solar Panels Perform?
East-facing solar panels perform extremely well in the UK. While they may generate slightly less electricity annually than a south-facing system, they produce strong output during the morning hours.
This can be beneficial for households where occupants are active before work or school, using appliances such as kettles, washing machines and electric vehicle chargers during the morning period.
Our example east-facing system generated 3,179.52 kWh annually and achieved estimated first year savings of £601.62. While this is lower than the south-facing system, it still delivers around 77% of the annual savings while providing strong electricity generation during the morning when many households begin their daily energy usage.
How Well Do West-Facing Solar Panels Perform?
West-facing solar panels are increasingly popular because they generate more electricity during the afternoon and evening. This often aligns better with when homeowners are actually at home and using electricity.
Benefits of west-facing systems include:
- Higher generation later in the day
- Better alignments with early evening energy use
- Reduced reliance on imported electricity during peak hours
- Strong performance when combined with battery storage
For many households, self-consumption can be more valuable than maximum generation, making west-facing systems a highly practical option.
Using the same 4.5 kW system, the west-facing roof also generated 3,179.52 kWh per year and produced estimated first year savings of £601.62.
Although total annual generation is lower than a south-facing roof, many homeowners find west-facing systems attractive because electricity production continues later into the afternoon and evening when energy demand is often at its highest (and most costly to import from the grid).
Is an East-West Solar Panel System Better?
An east-west solar panel system uses both sides of the roof. Rather than producing a single large peak of generation at midday, energy production is spread more evenly throughout the day.
Advantages include:
- More consistent generation throughout the day
- Better utilisation of available roof space
- Improved self-consumption of solar energy
- Well suited to battery storage integration
Many modern installations across the South East and East Anglia use east-west layouts because they provide excellent real-world performance for homeowners.
In our original example, the east-west split system generated 3,568.13 kWh annually. This example was based on the same total system size as the south, east, west and north-facing systems to allow for a direct comparison between roof orientations.
However, one of the biggest advantages of an east-west roof is that it often allows more solar panels to be installed. Instead of being restricted to a single roof face, panels can be fitted across both aspects, increasing the overall system size and annual generation.
For example, if 10 panels were installed on the east-facing roof and a further 10 panels were installed on the west-facing roof, the total system size would increase to 9.00 kW. This larger system is estimated to generate 6,359.04 kWh of electricity per year, delivering predicted annual savings of approximately £1,078.54.
Although the upfront investment would be higher, the increased generation can provide significantly greater long-term savings. When combined with battery storage, surplus electricity generated during the day can be stored and used during the evening and overnight, helping homeowners maximise their energy independence and reduce reliance on the grid.
Can Solar Panels Face North?
North-facing solar panels are generally less efficient in the UK because they receive less direct sunlight throughout the year. However, that doesn’t automatically mean a north-facing roof is unsuitable for solar.
Factors that can improve the viability of north-facing solar panels include:
- A shallow roof pitch
- Minimal shading from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings
- High-efficiency solar panels
- Limited alternative roof space
- The use of power optimisers or microinverters
- High household electricity consumption
In our example, the north-facing system generated 1,952.64 kWh annually and delivered estimated first-year savings of £417.58. While this is significantly lower than the south, east and west-facing systems, it demonstrates that north-facing solar panels can still generate a meaningful amount of electricity and contribute towards reducing household energy bills.
The suitability of a north-facing roof should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In many situations, if suitable south, east or west-facing roof space is available, this will typically provide a better return on investment. However, where alternative roof space is limited, a north-facing installation may still be worthwhile.
It’s also important to remember that solar panels generate the most electricity during the spring and summer months, when daylight hours are longest and the sun is higher in the sky. Even on a north-facing roof, a well-designed system can make a valuable contribution to a home’s annual energy production.
At SolarTherm UK, we regularly assess all available roof aspects during the design process rather than automatically ruling out north-facing roofs. Our goal is to maximise overall system performance and deliver the best long-term value for each homeowner.
How Much Difference Does Roof Orientation Really Make?
Looking at our example 4.5 kW solar system, the difference between the highest and lowest performing orientations is clear:
- South-facing generated 4,142.88 and saved approximately £746.12 in year one
- East-facing generated 3,179.52 kWh and saved approximately £601.62
- West-facing generated 3,179.52 kWh and saved approximately £601.62
- East-west generated 3,179.52 kWh and saved approximately £601.62
- North-facing generated 1,952.64 kWh and saved approximately £417.58
The key takeaway is that while south-facing roofs provide the highest annual generation, many homeowners with east-facing or west-facing roofs can still achieve excellent returns from solar panels. Even north-facing roofs may be viable in certain circumstances when combined with modern high efficiency panels and careful system design.
Does Roof Angle Matter More Than Direction?
Both roof pitch and orientation influence solar performance. In many cases, a slightly less than ideal direction can outperform a south-facing roof with a very steep pitch or significant shading.
Factors affecting solar generation include:
- Roof direction: south, south-east and south-west are generally strongest
- Roof pitch: most UK roofs between 15 and 50 degrees work well for solar
- Shading: trees, chimneys and neighbouring buildings can have a significant impact
- Panel technology: modern high efficiency panels can improve generation on less than perfect roofs
- System design: the quality of design and installation often matters more than chasing the perfect orientation
Battery Storage Makes Orientation Less Important
Battery storage has changed how solar systems are designed. Instead of focusing solely on maximum generation, homeowners can store surplus electricity and use it later when needed most.
This means:
- East-facing systems can store surplus morning energy
- West-facing systems can extend evening energy availability
- Self-consumption increases significantly
- Overall savings improve
For many homeowners in Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Hertfordshire and the surrounding South East and East Anglia, battery storage helps maximise the value of solar regardless of roof orientation.
What Is the Best Direction for Solar Panels in the South East?
In generic terms, ranking is simple; south, south-west, south-east, west, east, north-west, north-east then north-facing roofs.
However, the “best” direction depends on your household’s energy consumption patterns, roof layout and whether you have battery storage. A professional solar survey will determine the most effective design for your specific property.
Expert Advice from SolarTherm UK
At SolarTherm UK, we assess every property individually rather than relying on generic assumptions. Our experienced design team uses detailed solar modelling software to evaluate:
- Roof orientation
- Roof pitch
- Shading analysis
- Household energy usage
- Battery storage opportunities
- Expected return on investment
We’ve designed and installed solar PV systems across the South East and East Anglia for over 16 years, helping homeowners generate clean energy even when their roofs aren’t perfectly south-facing.
The vast majority of properties can benefit from solar panels, regardless of whether the roof faces south.
Get a Free Solar Assessment
Not sure whether your roof is suitable for solar panels? Been told in the past your roof is unsuitable?
SolarTherm UK provides professional solar feasibility assessments for homeowners across Essex, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the wider South East and East Anglia. Our team can evaluate your roof orientation, expected generation and potential savings, all independently verified by EPVS for accuracy.
Contact SolarTherm UK today for a free, no obligation quote and design, tailored to your property, usage and future energy needs. No hard sell, just honest, expert advice – and the time you need to make an informed decision.
Your home. Your energy. Your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do solar panels have to face south in the UK?
No. South-facing roofs typically produce the highest annual output, but east-facing, west-facing and east-west systems can still generate excellent results.
Are west-facing solar panels worth it?
Yes. West-facing panels often align well with evening electricity use, making them highly effective for many households.
Can solar panels work on an east-facing roof?
Absolutely. East-facing panels generate strong morning output and are commonly installed throughout the UK.
Are north-facing solar panels a waste of money?
Not necessarily. While less productive than south-facing panels, some north-facing roofs can still be suitable depending on pitch, shading and overall system design.
What is the best roof direction for solar panels?
South is generally considered optimal in the UK, but the best direction for your home depends on your roof layout, energy usage and whether battery storage is included.
