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Solar panels

Is your roof suitable for solar?

Most roofs facing anywhere from east through south to west can work. Shade, roof condition and permissions are more likely to rule a roof out than its exact direction.

Updated 3 October 2026 · energy.org.uk editorial team

Direction and pitch

  • South-facing roofs generate the most over a year.
  • East and west roofs generate less in total, but spread generation into the morning or evening, when many homes use more.
  • North-facing roofs generate much less and rarely pay back.
  • Pitch: most pitched roofs work well. Flat roofs need frames, which must be designed for wind.

The solar panel calculator shows the effect of direction and pitch for your postcode.

Shade

Trees, chimneys, dormers and nearby buildings can all shade panels. Shade on one panel can reduce the output of others, depending on how the system is wired. Ask the installer how shade is allowed for and whether optimisers or microinverters would help.

Roof condition and structure

Panels stay on the roof for decades. If the roof will need repairs or new tiles soon, do that first. The installer's survey should check the roof covering, the structure and how the panels will be fixed.

Planning and permissions

In England, panels on a house are usually permitted development, so need no planning application, if they stick out no more than 200mm from the roof and are not higher than the highest part of the roof, excluding the chimney. Different rules apply to:

  • listed buildings,
  • conservation areas and other protected areas,
  • flats and buildings in other uses,
  • Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which have their own rules.

Leaseholders and tenants need the freeholder's or landlord's permission.

Check

What to check first

  • Which way your roof faces, using a map or compass app.
  • Shade through the day, especially in winter, when the sun is low.
  • The roof's age and condition.
  • Whether your home is listed or in a conservation area.

Do

Practical next steps

  1. Try your roof in the solar panel calculator, with "Not sure" for anything you don't know.
  2. Book surveys with at least two MCS-certified installers.
  3. Check planning rules with your council if your home is listed or in a conservation area.
  4. Compare quotes in the solar quote checker.

Take care

Important limitations

  • Only a survey can confirm the roof can take the panels and how many will fit.
  • The planning rules above are a summary for houses in England; check your council's guidance.
  • Don't go on the roof yourself to check it.

Related tools and guides

Sources

Official sources checked 3 October 2026.