If you’re looking into solar, you’re probably wondering if you should use both sides of your roof. It’s a common question, especially if your south-facing space is limited.
Installing solar panels on both sides of your roof can be a good idea. It can help you generate more power throughout the day, but it isn’t always the best option for every home. The benefits depend on your roof’s direction, shading, energy needs, and your budget.
Our blog walks you through the key things to consider so you can make the best decision for your property. And if you want tailored advice, just get in touch with Going Green Renewables for a free quote. We’re solar installation experts with over 20 years of experience, and we’ll happily take a look at your roof and recommend a setup that works for you.
Is having solar panels on both sides of the roof a good idea for maximising energy output?
Putting solar panels on both sides of your roof can help smooth out your energy generation across the day.
For example, east-facing panels catch the morning sun, while west-facing panels capture sunlight in the afternoon. So adding panels on both sides means your home gets a longer window of solar power. This is great if you’re at home during the day or want to reduce your electricity bills as much as possible.
But generating power for longer doesn’t always mean producing more. A south-facing roof usually offers maximum exposure to the sun. So, if you already have enough south-facing roof space for all the solar panels you need, adding more panels might not make a huge difference.
Want to learn more about solar panels and roof orientation? Read our blog about what types of houses are suitable for solar panels and the best place to install them.
Let’s explore the pros and cons
Many homeowners like the idea of getting more power across the day, but aren’t sure what the real benefits look like in practice.
You don’t want to invest money if you don’t know what the outcome looks like, right?
Well, the good news is that a dual-roof setup can offer some great advantages, especially if your property isn’t perfectly south-facing. Take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks to help you understand whether this approach could work for you.
And if you’re still curious, contact Going Green. We’ll be able to assess your current energy needs and give you a good estimate of how much you could save on your energy bills with more solar panels.
Advantages of having solar panels on both sides of your roof
- More consistent energy generation
You produce power for more hours, which helps you use more of your own electricity instead of drawing from the grid. - Great for east/west-facing roofs
If your home isn’t south-facing, using both sides can help you capture as much direct sunlight as possible during the day. - Helps reduce your energy bills
Generating your own electricity for more of the day means buying less from the grid, especially when energy prices are high. - Better for battery storage
A longer generation period gives your battery more chances to charge, helping you store excess energy for the evening. - Ideal for limited south-facing roof space
If your south-facing roof is small, shaded, or has vents, chimneys, or roof windows in the way, using a second roof plane can make up the difference.
Disadvantages of having solar panels on both sides of your roof
- Higher installation cost
More solar panels mean more labour, more mounting equipment, and more wiring. - Not always the best return on investment
If your south-facing roof already provides the optimal angle and enough space, you may not gain much from fitting panels elsewhere. - Shading can be an issue
Nearby buildings, trees, or chimneys can reduce your overall energy production. - Roof orientation matters
East- and west-facing roofs work well. North-facing solar panels, however, produce significantly less electricity, especially during winter. - Limited space on smaller homes
You may want to install panels on both sides, but if the roof planes aren’t large enough, it may not be practical.
Solar PV system performance overview: south-facing vs west-facing vs east-facing roofs
Before choosing where to install your solar array, it helps to understand how each roof direction performs.
Here’s a quick comparison to guide you:
| Roof direction | Typical performance | Usually best for |
|---|---|---|
| South-facing | Highest yearly output; Maximum sunlight coverage | Homes with clear, unshaded south-facing roof space |
| East-facing | Strong morning output; Slightly lower total generation | Homes using more electricity in the morning or with shading later in the day |
| West-facing | Strong afternoon sun; Great for late-day power | Homes using more electricity in the afternoon and early evening |
It’s all about choosing what works for your roof and household energy needs. So read on to understand why each of these types of roof orientations works for different homes.
South-facing roofs
A south-facing roof usually gives you the best energy production throughout the year. This is because the panels here face the sun for most of the day, especially in the northern hemisphere. If you have enough south-facing roof space for all the panels you need, you won’t benefit from a dual setup.
This layout is very efficient and provides a strong output from the solar power system. It usually pays for itself quickly, too, so it’s ideal if you want to generate more energy.
West-facing roofs
West-facing roofs provide more power later in the day, thanks to the afternoon sun. Installing solar panels here means you’ll get sunlight in the afternoon and evening, which is when many households cook, do laundry, and use more devices.
While west-facing panels typically produce slightly less electricity overall than south-facing panels, they can match nicely with many 9-5 lifestyles. They also pair well with battery storage, allowing you to store excess power for when your family needs it.
East-facing roofs
East-facing solar panels work well for homes that get more morning sun or a bit of shade later in the day. They’re also a good fit if your routine means you use more electricity earlier on. For example, if you work from home, run appliances in the morning, or have a busy household that starts the day early.
Like west-facing roofs, the total annual energy production is slightly lower than a south-facing system. But east-facing panels are ideal for east/west-facing setups, giving you steady energy generation from sunrise through to the afternoon.
And if you’re realising that your roof orientation isn’t ideal for solar panels (perhaps it’s north-facing or doesn’t get as much sunlight), you still have options. If you have space around your property, ground-mounted solar panels can help you get the extra energy production you’re looking for, even when your roof isn’t the perfect fit.
Looking to explore your solar panel installation options? Speak to Going Green Renewables today
Whether you’re considering a south-facing system or solar panels on both sides of the roof, we can help you find the setup that works best for your property. We’ll take a close look at your roof direction, shading, pitch, and space, then recommend the most effective and cost-effective layout.
Get in touch with Going Green Renewables for expert advice and a free quote. Call us on 01252 560 587 to discuss your energy needs or build your quote online today.
Frequently asked questions about solar panel placement
Can you have solar panels on both sides of the roof?
Yes, you can. Installing solar panels on east- and west-facing roofs can be a fantastic way to increase the electricity your home generates.
It’s always best to check which way your roof faces, how much sunlight each roof plane receives, and whether there’s any shading, so you can be sure you’ll get your money’s worth.
How do I know if my home is suitable for multi-roof solar panels?
If you have two roof planes that get good sunlight at different times of the day, you’re probably a good candidate. But make sure there aren’t any trees or nearby buildings that could heavily shade the panels. Get in touch, and we can carry out a quick survey to tell you exactly what’s possible.
What type of battery storage is required for a dual-roof solar setup?
Most modern solar batteries work well with dual-roof installations. Lithium-ion batteries are typically the most common choice because they offer high performance, more storage, and a long lifespan.
But the important consideration is getting the right size battery for your solar panel system. If installing panels on both sides of your roof significantly increases your energy production, you’ll want a battery that can store that extra power. In some cases, that might mean choosing a larger battery or installing multiple batteries and inverters to handle the additional energy production.
If you’d like to learn more about choosing the right solar battery for your home, take a look at our guide for solar battery storage.
When is installing solar panels on both sides not ideal?
A dual-roof setup might not be ideal if you already have south-facing roof panels that generate all the electricity you need. It’s also not worth it if one side of your roof is heavily shaded or you have a north-facing roof, as you won’t get the sunlight you need to justify the extra cost.