What's the right roof placement for solar panels?

In this blog, we’ll break down the key factors that affect performance, from orientation and angle to postcode-specific advice, so you can get the most out of your solar investment.

What’s the Best Roof Placement for Solar Panels in the UK?

In the UK, the ideal roof placement for solar panels is south-facing with a tilt of 30 to 40 degrees. This setup captures the most direct sunlight and delivers the highest energy generation across the year.

But that’s just the starting point. East and west-facing roofs can still perform well, especially when panels are installed on both sides to make the most of morning and evening light. Even if your roof faces north, or has an unusual pitch, you could still benefit from solar with the right installation approach.

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Introduction to Solar Panel Installation

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Understanding Solar Panels

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity. They are made up of individual solar cells that capture the sun's energy and turn it into electricity for your home. These panels are typically installed on rooftops and absorb sunlight.

Check out a couple of our other blogs for more info:

How much energy do solar panels generate

How many solar panels do you need

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Do Solar Panels Need Direct Sunlight?

Solar panels work best when they get direct sunlight, but they can still generate electricity on cloudy days or when the sun isn’t shining directly on them. While maximum energy generation happens with direct sun, today’s panels are designed to capture both direct and diffused light, so your system keeps working even in typical UK weather. That’s why the angle and placement of your panels is still important. Setting them up correctly helps you make the most of every ray, whether it’s bright or overcast.

What’s The Best Direction for Solar Panels?

One of the biggest factors in solar performance is orientation (the direction your roof faces). Here’s how it affects output.

• South-facing roofs get the most direct sunlight throughout the day, which makes them the top choice for solar installations in the UK.
  
  
• East and west-facing roofs still offer solid performance, especially when panels are split across both sides to capture morning and afternoon light.
  
  
• North-facing roofs are less ideal, but solar can still be viable with the right mounting system or if you have a flat roof that allows panel tilt adjustment.
  
  

What Is The Best Angle for Solar Panels?

For most UK homes, the sweet spot is between 30° and 40°. But the best angle can vary slightly depending on your location:

• Southern England tends to see optimal performance around 35°.
  
  
• Northern areas often benefit from steeper angles, closer to 40°, to capture more of the lower winter sun.

Even if your roof doesn’t fall neatly into these categories, solar can still be a smart investment. Installers can use tilt frames or adjust panel orientation to compensate for less-than-perfect conditions.

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What Is The Best Solar Panel Angle by Postcode (UK)

Want to know the best angle for your exact location? Try the tool below. It calculates the ideal solar panel tilt based on your postcode, helping you make the most of every sunny day.

What's More Important, Direction or Angle?

Both direction and angle are important, but roof direction comes out on top. This is important to consider if you don’t have the best conditions for your panels.

Key Factors That Influence Solar Panel Placement

Sun Exposure and Shading
Panels need consistent sunlight. Shade from trees, chimneys or nearby buildings can reduce performance, so aim for a clear, unobstructed section of roof.

Local Climate and Weather
More sunlight means more energy. Even in the UK’s cloudier regions, solar panels still work well year-round, but sunnier areas offer more return over time.

Roof Size and Condition
The available space and structural condition of your roof affect how many panels you can install. A professional assessment helps maximise output and safety.

Read more about solar panels:

Do solar panels work in winter?

How do solar panels work with your electricity bill?

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Assessment and Installation Process

Getting the best results from solar starts with getting the details right. That’s why the our So Energy experts take the time to look closely at your roof’s size, pitch, and any areas of shade.

We’ll recommend the best direction for solar panels on your property and make sure they’re set at the ideal angle for your location. After our assessment, you’ll get a straightforward quote with all costs and potential savings clearly laid out. With expert support from So Energy, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your system is built for maximum efficiency and real, long-term value.

Learn about battery storage:

A guide to battery storage‍

How do solar batteries work and store energy‍

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Thinking About Solar for Your Home?

Discover how much you could save with the best direction and setup for your property. Our dedicated team will guide you through every step, from your first question to installation.

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