Optimal Angle & Direction for Solar Panels UK: December 2024

While it’s true that the best solar panels can generate usable electricity for UK households year-round, they can have varying levels of efficiency. This comes down to the type, make, and model of your solar panels. But it also has to do with how and where they are installed on your roof. 

To help you make the most of your solar panels, we’ll walk you through the optimal angle for solar panels in the UK, as well as the ideal solar panel orientation. This way, you can get a sense of how solar panel positioning can help you maximise the output of your solar system, and, in turn, your savings on your monthly electricity bills. 

Ready to reap the financial benefits of installing solar panels? Then you’ll need to find a certified professional for the job. 

Instead of wasting hours on tedious googling, let us put you in touch with reputable installers from our network. Simply fill in our 30-second form and you’ll receive free, non-binding quotes from up to 4 local solar panel installers. Click below to get started now!

Solar panel angle refers to the vertical tilt of your solar system on your roof and it varies per geographic location. The optimal angle for solar panels in the UK is somewhere between 30° and 40°. However, this also varies depending on where in the UK your home is situated, as you can see below: 

At 30° - 40°, your solar panels are positioned in a way that allows them to absorb the most sunlight throughout the day. This is the angle for sloped or pitched roofs, but flat roof solar panels can be fitted with adjustable ballasts to ensure that they have the optimal angle for efficient energy production. 

It’s important to note that optimal solar panel angle also varies per season, as the position of the sun changes at different times of the year. In summer, the optimal angle is 20° and during the winter it’s 50°. This means that to ensure the efficient electricity production of your solar system, it may be worth adjusting the angle of the panels throughout the year. 

That said, such a change may not be feasible for all homes and roofs, and it involves additional costs. You’ll need a professional to help you change the solar panel angle at least twice a year - in winter and in summer when the sun is at its lowest and at its highest in the sky.

To maximise the output of solar panels, you will want to have them installed on a south-facing section of your roof. South-facing solar panels in the UK receive the most sunlight exposure, as the sun is in the sky the most in this direction. 

If your roof doesn’t face south, then you can still enjoy efficient power output by having east-facing solar panels or west-facing solar panels in the UK. However, it’s important to note that while east and west-facing solar panels can still function well, they generate about 15 - 20% less electricity than solar panels installed towards the south.

With east or west-facing solar panels, your system will still be able to absorb plenty of sunlight during the morning or the afternoon, based on the sun’s movements throughout the day. However, in this case, it may be worth giving some thought to solar batteries, as these can store solar energy you can use when your solar panels produce less or no electricity.

As for installing solar panels on a north-facing roof, it may be a viable option, although this direction can lower efficiency rates by as much as 30%. In this situation, you will need to consult a solar expert before moving forward with the installation process, to determine whether north-facing solar panels are a good choice for your home. 

No clue where to find a reliable professional to work with? Don’t worry - we’re here to help. 

We’ve done the heavy lifting and vetted multiple installers and we can connect you with up to 4 of them in no time. Just click below, fill in our 30-second form, and receive free, no-obligation quotes for your new solar panel installation. 

Having the right solar panel angle and orientation based on your location in the UK is essential if you want to maximise solar panel efficiency and power output. This has implications for your energy consumption, as well as for your savings, which can reach up to £1,005 per year, depending on the size of your system. 

However, it’s important to note that angle and orientation are not the only factors that guarantee high power output levels and annual savings. To ensure that your system is highly efficient, you’ll want to consider the performance of different solar panel types and choose from among the finest solar panels for your home. 

Additionally, to guarantee that your solar panels have the optimal position, you’ll want to work with a certified solar panel installer. They can provide a high-quality installation that can help you make the most of your investment in solar panels. 

Working with a reliable professional is the key to ensuring the optimal angle and orientation for your system. If you have questions like: “How many solar panels do I need?” or “Are solar panels worth it for my home?” then a professional installer can offer you answers tailored to your specific situation before starting the installation process.

In addition to receiving personalised advice and a high-quality installation, choosing the right installer can also help you avoid overspending on your solar system. The cost of solar panels is quite high, so, to minimise your expenses, you will want to find an installer with the lowest service costs. 

Doing this research on your own can take hours or even days of looking up professionals in your area. Why not avoid the hassle by letting us send you quotes from up to 4 local solar panel installers? This way, you can easily compare prices and secure the best deal for your home in no time. 

Just click below to request free, non-binding quotes now!