When you picture solar panels, it’s easy to imagine a perfectly south facing roof soaking up the sun. In reality, most UK homes don’t have that ideal setup and that’s okay. Thanks to smarter designs, improved mounting systems, and high efficiency technology, solar can now be tailored to suit almost any home, regardless of which way the roof faces. Solar is still one of the smartest ways to reduce your energy bills, protect against rising prices, and lower your carbon footprint. While south-facing roofs naturally receive the most sunlight, east and west facing roofs can still deliver up to 80–85% of that output. When paired with energy storage or performance optimised panels, the long term returns can still be impressive, even without that textbook perfect orientation.
Tailoring Solar to Your Roof Type
Every home is different and so is every roof. Whether your property faces south or not, we offer tailored solutions that make the most of the space and sunlight available to you. The direction your roof faces doesn’t have to limit your ability to go solar.
Pitched Roofs
If you have a pitched roof, your solar panels will typically follow the slope of the roof, installed with high grade MCS accredited rail systems. This setup is durable, weather resistant, and ideal for most homes, regardless of your roof’s orientation.
Flat Roofs &
Ground Mounted
If you have a flat roof or limited roof space, solar is still very much an option, even if your roof doesn’t face the sun directly. We offer smart solutions that allow your panels to be installed at the optimal angle, improving performance even on flat or less conventional surfaces.
It’s not just your roof to consider, many people don’t realise that solar panels can be mounted directly in the garden. Ground mounted solar is a flexible and effective choice, especially for homes without a south facing roof. These setups can be angled to capture the best available sunlight and still deliver impressive energy output throughout the year.
Structural Support That Makes Solar Work
No matter which way your roof faces, structural safety comes first. At HSEnergy, every solar installation begins with an MCS accredited structural report to ensure your roof is ready for the upgrade. This assessment helps us determine how much weight your roof can handle, how many panels can be installed, and whether any reinforcements are required. Even on non-south facing roofs, this careful planning allows us to design a safe and efficient system. To go beyond industry standards, we always leave at least 20% of the roof’s maximum weight tolerance unused ensuring your solar setup is built to last.
What Really Matters: Tilt, Angle & Efficiency
Solar Performance by Roof Direction
Orientation
Performance Vs South Facing
South
100% (ideal)
East or West
80 – 85%
North
50 -60% (not generally advised)
Flat (with tilt)
90 – 95%
While south facing panels deliver the highest peak output around midday, east and west facing systems have their own advantage, they produce power earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon. This means your system is generating electricity for longer in the day, often matching up better with when households actually use energy. For example, east-facing panels capture the early sun to cover your morning routine, while west facing panels help power the home in the late afternoon and evening. This extended production curve can be especially beneficial for homes without battery storage, as more of your solar energy is used in real time.
Still Worth It Financially?
Absolutely. Even if your roof doesn’t face south, solar can still offer great value. East and west facing systems deliver strong performance, often reaching up to 85% of what a south facing system might generate. With energy prices continuing to rise, a smartly designed setup on any orientation can reduce your bills significantly and pay for itself over time.
Add battery storage & our smart energy optimisation system to start earning from your system, no matter the direction your roof faces.
It’s a common misconception that solar only works on south facing roofs. In reality, solar can be effective on a wide range of roof types and orientations, as long as the system is designed intelligently. Whether your home faces east, west, or even has a flat or shaded roof, today’s advanced mounting systems, performance optimised panels, and expert planning can make solar a smart and rewarding choice. With the right design and equipment, you don’t need perfect conditions to start generating clean, cost-cutting energy at home.
Find Out What’s Possible for Your Home
Ready to explore what solar could do for your home?
Book your free home energy assessment with HSEnergy today. We’ll guide you through your options, explain everything clearly, and help design a system that works for you.
Start your solar journey with HSEnergy