The short answer
A purely north-facing roof is the least favourable orientation for solar in the UK and is generally not recommended as the main location for an array. In the northern hemisphere the sun sits to the south, so south-facing roofs generate the most. A north-facing array produces significantly less electricity than a south-facing one for the same panels and cost, which lengthens payback, sometimes to the point where it is hard to justify. That said, the picture is not always black and white: east and west-facing roofs still generate a worthwhile amount (often in the region of three-quarters of a south-facing roof) and spread output across the day. If your only option is genuinely north-facing, it is worth getting a proper assessment, as the economics are usually weaker than other orientations.
Orientation is one of the biggest factors in solar output. North is the weak direction in the UK — but east and west are far better than many assume, so the full picture is worth understanding before ruling solar out.
North-facing solar
- South-facingBest — highest output
- East/West-facingGood — often ~3/4 of south
- North-facingWeakest — significantly less output
- Effect on paybackLonger, sometimes hard to justify
- Best stepGet a site assessment of your actual roof
Why orientation matters so much
How a roof faces strongly affects how much a solar array generates, because it determines how directly the panels face the sun across the day:
- South is best: in the UK, the sun tracks across the southern sky, so a south-facing roof catches the most direct light through the day and generates the most.
- East and west are good: these orientations catch the morning or afternoon sun. They generate less than south overall — often around three-quarters as much — but spread output across the day, which can suit a home that uses power in the morning and evening.
- North is weakest: a north-facing roof points away from the sun's path, so it receives mostly diffuse light and generates significantly less than south for the same panels. This is the orientation where the economics are most challenged.
Pitch (the angle of the roof) and shading also matter, but in the UK the north-south orientation is the dominant factor.
How orientations compare
The table gives an indicative sense of how much different orientations generate relative to an ideal south-facing roof. The exact figures depend on pitch, location and shading, but the ranking is consistent.
| Orientation | Relative output | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| South | Highest | Ideal |
| South-east / south-west | Slightly below south | Very good |
| East / west | Often ~3/4 of south | Worthwhile; spreads output |
| North-east / north-west | Lower again | Marginal — assess carefully |
| Due north | Significantly lower | Generally not recommended |
Indicative relative output for guidance, not precise figures. Sources: Energy Saving Trust. Actual output depends on pitch, location and shading; a site assessment gives a figure for your roof.
What to do if your roof faces north
If the only roof space you have is north-facing, it is worth weighing the options carefully before deciding:
- Get a proper assessment: a survey will estimate the actual generation for your specific roof, factoring in pitch, location and shading. This turns the general 'north is weak' rule into real numbers for your situation, so you can judge the payback.
- Consider other roof faces: many homes have more than one roof plane. If there is any east or west-facing roof available, putting panels there usually makes far more sense than a north-facing array.
- Look at ground or outbuilding mounts: a south or east/west-facing garage roof, outbuilding or ground-mounted frame may be a better option than a poorly oriented house roof, where space and planning allow.
- Weigh the economics honestly: a north-facing array costs the same to install as a south-facing one but generates less, so payback is longer and may be hard to justify. The lower output also means less self-consumption and export income.
- Factor in flat roofs: on a flat roof, panels are mounted on angled frames that can be oriented toward the south regardless of the building's alignment, sidestepping the orientation problem entirely.
In short, a north-facing roof is the one orientation where solar is genuinely questionable on the numbers. It is not impossible, but it usually generates too little to be the best use of the money. Checking whether an east, west, south or flat-roof option exists first is the sensible approach, and a site assessment will confirm what your particular roof can deliver.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put solar panels on a north-facing roof?
Physically, yes — panels can be fitted to a north-facing roof. But it is the weakest orientation for solar in the UK because the roof points away from the sun's path, so it generates significantly less than a south-facing roof for the same panels and cost. That longer payback means it is generally not recommended as the main location unless no better option exists.
How much less do north-facing panels generate?
Considerably less than south-facing for the same array, because the roof receives mostly diffuse light rather than direct sun. The exact shortfall depends on pitch, location and shading, so a site assessment is the only way to get a real figure for your roof. By contrast, east and west-facing roofs typically generate around three-quarters of a south-facing roof — much closer to ideal.
What are the alternatives to a north-facing roof?
If you have any east or west-facing roof space, that usually makes far more sense, as it generates a worthwhile amount and spreads output across the day. Other options include a south or east/west-facing garage or outbuilding roof, a ground-mounted frame, or — on a flat roof — angled frames pointed toward the south regardless of the building's alignment. A survey can identify the best location.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific home. They are guidance, not a quotation or guaranteed saving.