Key considerations before installing solar panels:
Direction
South-facing is ideal because it receives the most sunlight throughout the day and usually delivers the highest annual energy generation.
Other orientations can still work very well:
- South-East / South-West: Typically, 90–95% of the output of a south-facing system.
- East-West: Usually 80–90% of maximum output but can provide a more balanced generation profile across the day.
- North-facing: Generally, less effective in the UK, though modern panels can still make them viable in some situations.
Shading
Minimising shade is often more important than achieving the perfect direction or pitch. Trees, chimneys, neighbouring buildings, and dormers can significantly reduce performance if they cast shadows on the panels.
For Nottingham and the Midlands
A south-facing roof at around 35° with little to no shading is close to ideal. However, many homes in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and the wider Midlands have east-west roofs that still provide excellent returns and can often better match household energy usage patterns.
Structural integrity
Before any solar panel installation, it’s important to ensure that the roof is structurally suitable to support the additional weight of the system. While modern solar panels are relatively lightweight, the roof must be in good condition and capable of safely supporting the panels and mounting equipment for many years to come.
In most cases, residential roofs are suitable for solar panels without any modifications. However, identifying any structural concerns before installation helps ensure the system is installed safely, performs reliably, and remains secure throughout its lifespan.
What we look for during a survey:
When assessing a property, installers typically consider:
- Roof orientation
- Roof pitch
- Available roof space
- Shading throughout the year
- Structural suitability
- Current and future electricity usage
In practice, a roof that’s slightly off south but free from shade will often outperform a perfectly south-facing roof that experiences regular shading.