Is my home suitable for solar panels?
Most UK homes can benefit from solar panels, but a few things decide how well they will work for yours. Here’s what matters, in plain English.
Which way does your roof face?
South-facing roofs usually generate the most electricity over a year. East and west-facing roofs still suit many homes: they produce a little less in total, but spread generation across the morning and evening, when many households use more power.
North-facing roofs generate noticeably less. It can still be worthwhile in some cases, and an installer can tell you honestly whether it is.
How much shade is there?
Shade from trees, chimneys or neighbouring buildings reduces what panels produce. A little shade for part of the day is common and installers can often design around it, for example with optimisers on individual panels. Heavy shade for most of the day is a bigger problem.
Is there enough roof space?
A typical UK home system is somewhere around 3 to 6 kW. The number of panels that fits depends on your roof’s size and shape, and on things like windows, vents and chimneys. Our system size tool gives a quick guide.
What condition is the roof in?
Panels are designed to last decades, so your roof should too. If it needs work soon, it is often cheaper to do it before panels go on, while scaffolding is up.
Do you need planning permission?
In England, most rooftop solar on houses is permitted development, which means no planning application. Listed buildings, some conservation areas and flat roofs can have extra rules, and the rules differ slightly in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Your installer will check.
How much electricity do you use, and when?
Solar pays back best when you use the electricity it makes. If you are out during the day, a battery lets you store daytime generation for the evening. Spare electricity can also be exported for payment through the Smart Export Guarantee.
What a survey checks
A good installer will look at your roof’s direction, pitch, condition and shading, your fuse board and where the inverter will go, and your electricity use. They should then give you an itemised quote with an estimate of how much the system will generate.