South-Facing or Not: Can Solar Panels Still Work on Your Roof?
When planning a solar panel installation, one of the most common questions we hear at Spike Electrical is: “Does my roof need to be south-facing?” While a south-facing roof is ideal for solar generation in the UK, it’s by no means a requirement. Thanks to modern solar technology and expert system design, homes with east-, west-, or even flat-facing roofs can still generate impressive amounts of renewable energy.
In this in-depth guide, we explain how roof direction impacts solar panel performance, what options are available for different roof types, and how Spike Electrical can design a tailored solar energy system that works efficiently no matter which way your property faces.
Why Are South-Facing Roofs Preferred for Solar?
In the Northern Hemisphere, including the UK, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, travelling through the southern part of the sky. This means that a roof facing directly south will receive the most consistent and intense sunlight throughout the day making it the most productive position for solar panels.
A well-angled south-facing array can help you maximise solar generation, reduce reliance on the grid, and see a quicker return on investment. However, if your roof doesn’t face south, that doesn’t mean solar won’t work.
Can You Install Solar Panels on East- or West-Facing Roofs?
Absolutely. East- and west-facing roofs can still be excellent locations for solar panels, especially when your energy consumption matches the availability of sunlight:
East-facing panels capture energy during the morning hours, ideal if your household is active early in the day.
West-facing panels are better suited to households that consume more energy in the late afternoon and evening.
While these orientations typically produce around 80 - 90% of the energy that a south-facing system might, they still offer great performance, especially when paired with battery storage to help manage peak-time usage.
Are North-Facing Roofs Suitable for Solar Panels?
North-facing roofs receive the least direct sunlight in the UK, so they’re generally not the first choice. However, if the angle and shading are favourable, solar panels can still work, although we often recommend:
Tilt frames or mounting brackets to reposition the panels at a more optimal angle.
Hybrid systems, using east-west arrays or ground-mounted solutions, to increase efficiency.
At Spike Electrical, we perform a detailed site survey and shading analysis to assess the feasibility of north-facing installations.
What About Flat Roofs?
Flat roofs are surprisingly versatile for solar installations. By using adjustable mounting systems, we can angle panels toward the south, east, or west - whichever is most beneficial for your property and energy use pattern. Additional considerations include:
Weight distribution and roof structure
Wind loading and waterproofing
Aesthetic preferences and planning permissions
Our team designs safe, secure systems that meet all structural and safety standards.
Additional Factors That Influence Solar Panel Performance
Beyond roof orientation, there are several other variables that impact how well your solar system performs:
Roof pitch - in the UK, the ideal tilt angle is between 30°–40°, but we can optimise for steeper or flatter roofs.
Shading - chimneys, trees, and nearby buildings can reduce output. We conduct a comprehensive shade analysis using solar mapping tools.
Panel technology - some panels, like monocrystalline or half-cell models, are more efficient in low-light conditions and at non-ideal angles.
Battery storage - allows you to capture and use solar energy regardless of when it’s produced.
The Spike Electrical Approach: Optimised Design for Every Roof
At Spike Electrical, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether your roof faces south, east, west, or is completely flat, our solar experts take the time to:
Conduct a full site assessment
Analyse shading and roof layout
Design a custom system for maximum output
Recommend complementary technologies like battery storage and EV charging
Provide detailed forecasts for savings and return on investment
We’re proud to work with high-quality solar brands and use the latest design tools to ensure your system performs to its full potential.
Don’t Let Roof Direction Hold You Back from Going Solar
Even if your roof doesn’t face directly south, solar panels can still be a powerful investment in energy independence and sustainability. With thoughtful design, advanced technology, and a trusted installer like Spike Electrical, you can generate clean energy and cut down your electricity bills no matter your roof’s orientation.
Book your free solar consultation with Spike Electrical today and find out how much energy your home could be generating.