Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Most UK roofs are suitable for solar panels. The main factors are direction (south, east or west are all good), shading (the less the better), pitch (around 30 to 40 degrees is ideal), size (about 1.7 m² per panel) and condition (the roof should be sound). North-only roofs and heavily shaded roofs are the main exceptions.
Roof suitability checklist
- Direction: south is best, east and west generate about 85% as much.
- Shading: trees, chimneys and neighbouring buildings reduce output.
- Pitch: 30 to 40 degrees is close to ideal; flat roofs use angled mounts.
- Space: roughly 1.7 m² per 400W panel, so about 22 m² for a 5 kWp system.
- Condition: the roof should be in good repair, as panels last 25 years or more.
Get a roof suitability score
The SunSum calculator gives your roof a suitability score from your postcode, roof direction and shading, alongside an estimated system size, cost and saving. A proper roof survey from your installer confirms the details before any quote becomes binding.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I have solar on an old roof?
- If the roof is sound, yes. If it is near the end of its life, it can be worth re-roofing first so you do not remove panels later.
- What roof types work for solar?
- Tile, slate and flat roofs all work with the right mounting. Your installer will confirm the fixing method at survey.
Related questions
Indicative estimates based on UK average data. Last updated 27 May 2026.