So you’re thinking about getting solar panels. Great idea – they can lower energy bills, save you money, and reduce your carbon footprint! But unfortunately, not all roofs are created equal when it comes to solar panels. Some are natural sun-catchers, while others might need a closer inspection to determine their solar power potential.
If you’re wondering, “Is my home suitable for solar panels?” You’re in the right place. In this guide, our solar energy experts explore roof materials, orientation, condition, and size to help you determine whether your home is ready to install solar panels.
Find out if your home is suitable for solar panels and get a free quote today.
What houses are ideal for solar panels?
According to MCS data, more than 1.8 million solar panels have been installed in the UK. Solar panels work in many homes, but their efficiency and ability to produce good energy savings vary from house to house. Typically, the south of England gets more sunshine than the north, so houses in the southern region might benefit from more efficient solar energy production. But there’s a lot more to it than that.
Having a south-facing roof at 30-40 degrees means you have the most direct sunlight throughout the day, which is a huge bonus for solar PV panels. The more direct sunlight you have, the more solar energy your panels can create. If your roof angle is closer to 10-60 degrees, this can still work.
Houses with slight shading from trees or surrounding buildings are also fine.
East- and west-facing roofs are also good positions for installing solar panels, as you’ll still get a good amount of energy production when the panels are in use. An east-facing roof receives more sunlight in the morning, while a west-facing roof receives afternoon and evening sun.
What houses can’t have solar panels?
We advise that a north-facing roof is far less suitable for solar panels as it receives the least amount of sunlight. But this doesn’t mean you should give up on your solar installation. A good solar panel installation team will be able to work with you to find a solution that gets you the best return on your solar investment.
Alternatives to solar panels on roofs
Most UK roofs can support solar PV panels, but every now and then we come across a property that doesn’t have the available roof space or the roof has too much shade. If your home isn’t suitable for rooftop solar panels, there are still some great alternatives out there.
Ground-mount solar arrays
The most common alternative to roof solar panels is a ground-mounted solar system. If you have the space, we can install panels in an open area of your garden or on nearby land you own.
Ground-mounted systems work particularly well if you have plenty of outdoor space and want more flexibility over the angle of your panels or if your roof’s structure, size, or condition isn’t ideal. Installation costs can be around 15% to 30% higher due to the extra hardware and preparation required, but they can provide just as good, if not better, results when installed and angled in the optimal position.
Wall-mounted solar panels
Wall-mounted solar panels are less common than roof or ground-mounted systems, but they have their place. They are usually installed on a south-facing wall where roof space is limited or unsuitable.
This type of solar installation won’t normally generate as much electricity as roof-mounted panels because of their angle, but they can still contribute towards your home’s energy needs. If you’re thinking about getting wall-mounted solar panels, we’d recommend speaking with our solar specialists first to find out whether you really need them or if a roof- or ground-mounted solar array is a possibility.
How to determine if your home is suitable for a solar panel system
Take a look at how you can assess your home and find out if it’s ready for a solar system.
Roof orientation
The direction your roof faces is important for how much sunlight your solar panel system can capture. In the UK, south-facing roofs get the most amount of sunlight throughout the day, making them the most favoured for solar installations.
Not sure which direction your roof faces? Keep an eye on where the sun rises and sets over your home or use a compass. The sun generally rises in the east and sets in the west (but this can vary slightly depending on the time of year).
Enough roof space
How much roof space you have is important for knowing how many solar panels you can install. More space means more panels, and more panels mean more electricity. Most solar panel systems require around 20-30 square metres of clean roof space, but the exact amount will depend on your budget and your home’s electricity demands.
To calculate your roof area, multiply the roof’s length by the slope height. Then, multiply this by two to get the total area on both sides of the roof.
Roof shape
Solar panels can be installed on flat roofs, too, as well as unusually shaped roofs and roofs with multiple levels. A professional solar panel installer will assess the sloping or flat roof and design a bespoke solar array to make the most of the space available.
Roof condition and structural integrity
Solar panels are a long-term investment, lasting 25 years or more, so your roof needs to be in good shape to support them. This means fixing any damage before installing a solar PV system. If your roof is particularly old or badly damaged, you might even consider getting it replaced to save yourself the hassle later on.
Roof material
Most roof materials are suitable for solar panel systems, but some make the installation much easier.
- Asphalt shingles are probably the most common roof material in the UK and work well with solar panel installations. They are durable and provide a sturdy base to mount the solar panel system.
- Metal roofs also make installation quick and straightforward. They are often used on barns, outbuildings, warehouses, and commercial buildings.
- Clay or slate tiles can be more fragile and require specialist mounting systems, which can make solar panels cost more due to the intricacy involved.
- Glass and thatch roofs may not be suitable for installing solar panels directly, but you can still consider adjustments or alternative installation sites.
Shading
Solar panels thrive on sunlight, so you should check for potential shading on your roof. Nearby trees, chimneys, or taller buildings can stop sunlight from reaching your solar panels and reduce their overall efficiency.
Even if you do spot any shady areas on your roof, this doesn’t mean solar panels are off the table. Many modern solar systems come with microinverters or optimisers that make up for slight shading. You can also consider cutting back trees if that’s what’s causing the issue.
Local rules
Most homeowners in the UK can install solar panels under permitted development rights, which means you won’t usually need planning permission to get started.
However, there are some exceptions. If your home is listed, located in a conservation area, or you’re planning a larger or unusual installation, then you may need approval before any work begins. But you don’t have to work this out alone. At Going Green Renewables, you can tell us about your property, and we can let you know if local planning rules apply. If you need help with this, just get in touch.
Your energy usage
Your roof size and suitability are important, but don’t forget to think about the bigger picture when deciding on your new solar setup. That means considering your current energy usage, household size, future plans, and budget. It may be that there are additional products that could help you improve your solar panel efficiency and make the most out of your investment.
For example, if you’re out during the day and use most of your electricity in the evening, you may benefit from adding battery storage so you can save the energy your solar panels generate for later.
Ready to move to greener energy? Choose Going Green Renewables for your solar panel installation
As expert solar installers serving Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, we’re passionate about helping homeowners cut their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. If this is something you want to do but are worried that your roof might not be suitable, we can help. The expert installers at Going Green Renewables will make solar energy work for your space and budget. We’ll assess your roof’s suitability and design a system tailored to your needs.
Get started today and embrace renewable energy with Going Green Renewables. Call us on 01252 560 587 or fill out our contact form for a free quote.
Frequently asked questions about solar panel suitability
How can I tell if my roof gets enough sunlight for solar panels?
Go outside and take a good look at your roof. Check for potential trees or surrounding buildings that could block the sun and observe how much sun exposure your roof gets throughout the day. Use a compass to check the direction of your roof (south-facing is best for a solar PV system).
If you’re really unsure, contact us. We can ask questions or visit your property to determine how much sun your solar panels could get and what your energy savings could look like.
Are solar panels noisy?
Solar panels themselves shouldn’t be noisy as they don’t have any moving parts. But you may notice some noise on a windy day when the wind passes through the gap between the panels and your roof.
Poorly installed solar panels can make a rattling sound if they are hit by wind or harsh weather. Check out our solar panel maintenance and repair service if you notice any problems with solar panel noise.
Should I get rid of the surrounding shade for solar panels?
Removing shade around your solar panels will help improve their efficiency and energy production. If you already have solar panels or you’re considering getting them installed, then yes, removing any surrounding shade is a good idea.
Do I need to tell my home insurance provider I’m installing solar panels?
Getting solar panels is a huge investment and is likely to increase your home’s rebuild cost, so it’s vital that you inform your home insurance provider. Letting them know will ensure your home and solar panels are covered.
Do I need to ask my neighbour for permission to get solar panels on my roof?
You usually don’t need your neighbour’s permission to install solar panels on your own property, unless the work affects a shared roof or forms part of a larger building, such as flats or converted properties. If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to chat with our solar experts, who’ve installed panels on many properties.