Looking south all the time is bad for your neck. Solar panels (good ones) work in more directions than that.
Solar panels can produce electricity virtually anywhere they are installed, albeit at varying levels of efficiency. Yet, you can significantly boost their electricity generation potential by strategically selecting the optimal installation site.
Surprisingly, you have the power to position your solar panels in ways that harness maximum sunlight, amplifying their overall energy output.
This ideal positioning encompasses both the angle and placement of the panels. In this article, we will elucidate why and how you can pinpoint the perfect location for your solar array.
Join us as we detail the most important considerations...
PS We offer MCS-certified solar panel installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and arrange your free design.
Best Location for Solar Panels UK Overview:
The best angle for solar panels in the UK is between 20° and 50°.
The best direction is to have your panels facing south, followed by west or east.
You can position/optimise your panels on a flat roof using a mounting system.
Bear in mind that the angle and direction changes depending on your location in the world.
You can start designing your solar system here with our free tool.
Why is Angle & Direction Important?
Solar panels can be installed in any direction you choose and they are still going to generate some level of electricity based on the amount of light they receive each day.
However, you can increase the maximum power output by positioning them in such a way that they receive the maximum amount of light possible.
Therefore, it's always recommended to face your panels in the optimum positions, as we will now discuss.
PS You can use our free tool to design your solar array (which will take into account direction and position, amongst other important factors).
Related solar guides:
Best Angle for Solar Panels
The ideal angle to position your solar panels in the UK is between between 20° and 50°.
Keeping your solar panels positioned between this range will ensure the maximum amount of light hits them throughout the day.
In turn, this will also maximise energy production, and your savings and hopefully reduce the payback period too.
Please note: these recommendations are based on UK longitude and attitudes only so if you live elsewhere it could be very different.
Additionally, if you have a flat roof, you will still be able to create an angle but will need to use solar panel mounting to achieve this.
Best Direction for Solar Panels in the UK
What about the direction of your solar panels?
The direction of your solar panels can also have a major impact on the amount of sun they are exposed to throughout the year and on the viability of an installation.
The ideal location is to have your solar panels facing south as this will ensure they receive they are facing the sun for most of the day.
However, if you don't have a south-facing roof, you can still benefit from solar if your roof doesn't quite face south or if you have a roof that faces east or west, you could still benefit from installing solar.
Explore a Solar Case Study: Check out an insightful Q&A session featured in one of our detailed case studies on domestic solar panels. Hear directly from a Heatable customer in the UK and gain valuable perspectives on their experience here.
The image above shows a 23-panel solar installation, carried out by the MCS-certified solar team at Heatable, featuring the REA Fusion2 solar panels.
Can you install north-facing solar panels?
The ideal direction to install solar panels is to have them facing south since the UK faces the Northern Hemisphere.
This is because facing the south means the solar array will be facing the fun for the longest possible time.
However, if your property's roof is not facing south, you can still reap the rewards of installing solar if your roof faces the second best option - West, followed by East. Facing them north is a worse decision than the final season of Game of Thrones.
If your roof is north-facing or shrouded by too much shade, it may limit the electricity your panels generate.
But don't worry, this is all considered during the design process, start yours here.
Does the Best Angle Change Depending on the Season?
As you may be aware, the seasons are largely caused by the Earth's tilted axis that changes throughout the year.
This means that the position of the sun also changes depending on the time of the year so the best angle for solar panels will change at different times of the year slightly too.
As a result of this, many solar advocates recommend changing the angle of domestic solar panels at different times of the year too.
The exact degrees and angles will largely depend on your specific location on the globe and of course - the time of year.
What if you have a flat roof?
Solar panels can be effectively installed on flat roofs, catering to both residential and commercial properties.
However, this placement presents unique challenges due to the fact that solar panels operate most efficiently when positioned at an angle.
Moreover, flat solar panels are susceptible to water damage and can accumulate dirt rather swiftly.
To address these issues, a "tilt kit" or mounting system must be integrated alongside the solar panels.
This specialized equipment is affixed to your roof, serving as the foundation for mounting the solar panels.
Essentially, the tilt kit's purpose is to incline the solar panels to an optimal angle, ensuring maximum energy efficiency.
Best Angle for Solar Panels Conclusion
As you can now appreciate, the ideal angle and position for solar can help you maximise the power generation of your panels.
In the UK, the ideal direction is south, followed by east and west. North is the least desirable and may raise questions about the viability of solar.
The angle is equally as important in maximising power generation and your panels should ideally be positioned at an angle between 20° and 50°.
Please bear in mind that all of these considerations are taken into account during the design process, you can start your designing process here (for free).
Next Steps For Your Solar Journey:
When planning to install solar panels for your home, there are several important factors to consider. Make sure to refer to the following guides to help you make informed decisions:
To dive deeper into these topics, head over to our advice section, check out our YouTube channel for informative videos, or read a customer case study to see how others have benefited from their solar installation.
Get a Quote for Solar Today
Without boasting you should get your solar installed with us, here's why:
Thousands of Happy Customers: We boast an average score of 4.9 on Trustpilot, outperforming the market leader.
Which? Trusted Trader: Heatable is proudly recognised as a Which? Trusted Trader.
MCS Accredited: Our accreditation by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) ensures high-quality standards.
Exclusive Panels: We offer REA Fusion solar panels, available only through Heatable.
Consumer Protection: As members of the HIES consumer code, we provide 2-year deposit protection.
Flexible Payment Options: Choose from multiple payment methods, including finance options.
Fixed Price Guarantee: Enjoy transparency with no hidden costs.
Save Your Quote: You can save your quote and decide later.
Bespoke Design Tool: Draw your own conclusion (literally) on whether solar is worth it for you, here.
