Can I get solar panels on a north-facing or shaded roof?
A north-facing roof generates only around 55% of a south-facing roof, so it is rarely worth using on its own, though it can work as part of a larger east-west-north layout. Shading from trees, chimneys or buildings reduces output, but power optimisers or microinverters can limit the impact so the rest of the array is not dragged down.
North-facing roofs
Because north-facing panels generate roughly half as much, the payback is much longer and most installers will steer you to a south, east or west face instead. If those faces are unavailable, a careful assessment is needed to decide whether solar still makes sense.
Dealing with shading
- Light shading: a small reduction; usually still worthwhile.
- Heavy shading for much of the day: can make solar uneconomic on that face.
- Optimisers or microinverters: let each panel perform independently, reducing the drag from one shaded panel.
- Panel placement: a good installer positions panels to avoid the worst shade.
Frequently asked questions
- Are east or west roofs as good as south?
- Almost. East and west roofs generate around 85% of a south-facing roof and are well worth installing.
- Do optimisers fix shading completely?
- No, but they reduce the impact by stopping a shaded panel from limiting the others. They cannot create light that is not there.
Related questions
Indicative estimates based on UK average data. Last updated 27 May 2026.