Not Ideal, But Not Impossible. When North-Facing Can Work
You’ve been told your north-facing roof isn’t suitable for solar. Many installers won’t even quote for north-facing installations. But is a northern orientation really a deal-breaker, or is there more nuance to the story? Before making a decision, it’s worth checking your actual roof potential with our solar roof suitability calculator to understand exactly what you’re working with.
The honest answer: north-facing roofs generate significantly less electricity than south-facing ones — typically 55-60% of the output. That’s a substantial reduction that affects both savings and payback times. If shading is also a concern, our shading impact calculator can help assess whether north-facing combined with shade makes your roof unviable. However, “less than ideal” isn’t the same as “not worth doing.” In some circumstances, north-facing solar can still make sense.
This guide gives you the complete picture — the real numbers, when north-facing might work, when it definitely doesn’t, and what alternatives you should consider first.
North-Facing Solar at a Glance
| Output vs south-facing | 55-60% |
| Annual generation (4kW system) | 1,870-2,040 kWh (vs 3,400 kWh south) |
| Best case scenario | Low pitch (15-25°), no shading, high electricity use |
| Worst case scenario | Steep pitch (40°+), shading, low electricity use |
| Payback period | 14-20+ years (vs 8-12 years south) |
| Recommendation | Explore all alternatives first; north-facing is last resort |
The Reality: How Much Less Do You Get?
Output by Orientation
| Roof Orientation | Output vs South | 4kW System Annual Generation |
|---|---|---|
| South | 100% | 3,400 kWh |
| South-east | 96% | 3,264 kWh |
| South-west | 96% | 3,264 kWh |
| East | 83% | 2,822 kWh |
| West | 83% | 2,822 kWh |
| North-east | 70% | 2,380 kWh |
| North-west | 70% | 2,380 kWh |
| North | 55-60% | 1,870-2,040 kWh |
A north-facing roof generates roughly 40-45% less electricity than an equivalent south-facing installation. That’s a significant penalty that directly impacts your financial returns.
Why North-Facing Produces Less
In the UK (latitude ~50-55°N), the sun is always to the south of directly overhead. A south-facing roof angles toward the sun; a north-facing roof angles away from it.
- Direct sunlight: North-facing panels rarely receive direct sunlight — mostly diffuse (scattered) light
- Summer: Some direct light early morning and late evening when sun is north of east/west
- Winter: Sun stays low in the southern sky — north-facing panels receive almost no direct sunlight
- Peak generation: Midday peak is dramatically reduced compared to south-facing
Roof Pitch Matters Even More
For north-facing roofs, the angle of your roof has a bigger impact than for other orientations:
| Roof Pitch | North-Facing Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0-10° (nearly flat) | 70-80% of south | Minimal orientation penalty — consider this |
| 15-25° (low pitch) | 60-70% of south | Moderate penalty — may be viable |
| 30-35° (typical UK) | 55-60% of south | Significant penalty — think carefully |
| 40-45° (steep) | 50-55% of south | Severe penalty — usually not recommended |
| 50°+ (very steep) | 45-50% of south | Poor economics — avoid if possible |
Key insight: A nearly flat north-facing roof performs reasonably well. A steep north-facing roof performs poorly. If your roof pitch is 25° or less, the orientation penalty is much more manageable.
The Financial Reality
Comparing South vs North: Same House, Same System
Let’s compare a 4kW system on the same house with different orientations:
| Factor | South-Facing | North-Facing (35° pitch) |
|---|---|---|
| System size | 4kW | 4kW |
| Installation cost | £5,800 | £5,800 |
| Annual generation | 3,400 kWh | 1,940 kWh |
| Self-consumption (45%) | 1,530 kWh | 873 kWh |
| Export | 1,870 kWh | 1,067 kWh |
| Savings (self-use × 28p) | £428 | £244 |
| Export income (× 10p) | £187 | £107 |
| Total annual benefit | £615 | £351 |
| Payback period | 9.4 years | 16.5 years |
The north-facing system still generates positive returns, but payback extends from under 10 years to over 16 years. That’s a significant difference that affects whether solar makes financial sense for you.
25-Year Comparison
| Factor | South-Facing | North-Facing |
|---|---|---|
| Total generation | 81,600 kWh | 46,560 kWh |
| Total savings (with inflation) | £22,200 | £12,700 |
| Net profit after cost | £16,400 | £6,900 |
| Return on investment | 283% | 119% |
The north-facing system is still profitable over 25 years — you’re not losing money. But the returns are less than half those of a south-facing system.
When North-Facing Solar Might Make Sense
Despite the reduced output, there are situations where north-facing solar can be worthwhile:
1. No Alternative Roof Space
If north is genuinely your only option:
- Mid-terrace house with only front (north) and rear (south with major shading) options
- Detached house where south-facing roof is entirely shaded by trees or buildings
- Listed building where only the north roof is approved for panels
Some solar is better than no solar — if the alternatives are worse, north-facing may be your best available option.
2. Very Low Roof Pitch (Under 20°)
On a nearly flat or low-pitched roof, the orientation penalty is much smaller:
| 15° north-facing roof output | ~68% of south |
| 35° north-facing roof output | ~57% of south |
| Difference | ~20% more from low pitch |
A low-pitched north-facing roof approaches the performance of an east or west-facing roof at typical pitch.
3. Very High Electricity Usage
If you have exceptionally high electricity consumption (heat pump, multiple EVs, home business), even reduced generation provides substantial savings:
- High-usage household consuming 12,000+ kWh/year
- Almost all generation used on-site (high self-consumption)
- Savings still meaningful in absolute terms even at reduced output
4. Electricity Prices Continue Rising
If electricity prices rise significantly above current levels, the value of every kWh generated increases. This improves the economics of all solar, including north-facing.
5. Environmental Priority Over Financial Return
If reducing carbon footprint is your primary goal and financial return is secondary, north-facing solar still generates clean electricity — just less of it.
6. Part of a Larger Multi-Roof System
If you’re installing panels on south/east/west roofs and have additional north-facing space, adding north-facing panels as supplementary capacity can be worthwhile — the incremental cost is low once installers are on-site.
When North-Facing Solar Doesn’t Make Sense
1. You Have Usable South, East, or West Roof Space
Always use better-oriented roof space first. Even east or west-facing at 83% output dramatically outperforms north at 57%.
2. Steep Pitch (40°+)
A steep north-facing roof compounds the orientation problem. Output drops to 50% or less of south-facing — payback extends to 20+ years.
3. Any Shading on North Roof
North-facing panels are already operating on limited light. Any additional shading from trees, chimneys, or neighbouring buildings further reduces output to uneconomic levels.
4. Short Ownership Horizon
With 16+ year payback, you need to plan on staying in the property for a long time. If you might move within 10 years, north-facing solar is unlikely to pay for itself before you sell (though it may add some property value).
5. Limited Budget
If you’re stretching to afford solar, put your money into the highest-returning option. A smaller south/east/west system beats a larger north-facing one.
Alternatives to Consider First
Before accepting a north-facing installation, exhaust these alternatives:
1. The Other Side of Your Roof
Most houses have two main roof slopes. If your north-facing slope is the front, what about the rear?
- South-facing rear: Obviously preferable — use this
- East or west-facing rear: Still generates 83% of south — much better than north
- Shaded rear: Assess actual shading — may be less severe than assumed
2. Garage, Outbuilding, or Extension Roofs
Look beyond the main house:
- Garage roof: Often different orientation from main house
- Garden room/office: May face south even if house faces north
- Rear extension: Flat or low-pitch roofs work well regardless of orientation
- Outbuildings: Sheds, workshops, studios may offer better orientation
3. Flat Roof Section
If any part of your property has a flat roof:
- Panels can be mounted on frames at optimal angle (30-35°) facing south
- Eliminates orientation problem entirely
- Common on rear extensions, dormers, bay windows
4. Ground-Mounted System
If you have garden space:
| Typical size | 4-10kW |
| Cost premium | 20-40% more than roof-mount |
| Advantages | Optimal orientation/tilt; no roof constraints |
| Planning | Usually requires planning permission |
| Space needed | ~20-25m² per 4kW |
The extra cost of ground-mounting may be offset by higher output compared to north-facing roof installation.
5. Solar Carport or Pergola
Structures that serve dual purpose:
- Carport with solar roof — protects car, generates electricity
- Garden pergola — shade structure with integrated panels
- Both can be oriented optimally regardless of house orientation
6. Wait for Better Options
If none of the above work now, consider waiting:
- Garage or extension planned? Orient for solar
- Tree removal possible? May improve rear roof shading
- Re-roofing soon? Consider roof alterations
If You Proceed with North-Facing: Optimisation Tips
If north-facing is genuinely your best or only option, maximise what you can:
1. Use High-Efficiency Panels
Premium panels with higher efficiency capture more from limited light:
- 22%+ efficiency panels vs standard 20%
- Generates 10% more from same roof area
- Better low-light performance
- Worth the premium when light is limited
2. Consider Microinverters or Optimisers
Panel-level electronics help maximise output from each panel:
- Better performance when light levels vary
- Monitoring shows each panel’s output
- Mitigates any partial shading
3. Maximise Self-Consumption
With less generation, use as much as possible on-site:
- Run appliances during generation hours
- Consider an immersion diverter for hot water
- Smart EV charging if applicable
- Avoid exporting at low SEG rates
4. Size the System Appropriately
Don’t necessarily go smaller just because it’s north-facing:
- If you have high usage, a larger north-facing system may match your consumption
- Cost per kW drops with size, partially offsetting lower output
- But don’t oversize beyond what you can use — export rates are low
5. Get Multiple Quotes
Some installers won’t quote for north-facing; others specialise in challenging installations:
- Get at least 3-4 quotes
- Find installers experienced with non-ideal orientations
- Compare projected outputs carefully
What About East-West or North-East/North-West?
If you have a choice between orientations:
Orientation Comparison
| Orientation | Output vs South | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| South | 100% | Optimal — always use if available |
| SE / SW | 96% | Excellent — negligible difference from south |
| East / West | 83% | Good — absolutely worthwhile |
| NE / NW | 70% | Acceptable — reasonable returns |
| North | 57% | Marginal — consider alternatives |
If You Have East and West Slopes
A split east-west installation is much better than north-facing:
- Combined output ~85% of south (vs 57% for north)
- Generation spread across the day — better for self-consumption
- Can install more total capacity using both slopes
- Payback closer to 10-11 years vs 16+ for north
North-East or North-West
These are middle-ground options at ~70% of south:
- Notably better than due north
- Payback around 12-14 years — more reasonable
- If your roof is NE or NW rather than due north, the picture is more favourable
Worked Example: Making the Decision
The Martins live in a 3-bed terraced house. The front (street-facing) roof faces due north at 35° pitch. The rear roof faces south but is heavily shaded by a large tree in a neighbour’s garden.
Option Analysis
| Option | System | Annual Output | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| North-facing front roof | 4kW | 1,940 kWh | 16.5 years |
| South rear (with shading) | 4kW | 2,380 kWh (70% due to shade) | 13.2 years |
| Split: 2kW north + 2kW shaded south | 4kW | 2,160 kWh combined | 14.6 years |
| Flat roof on rear extension | 2kW (limited space) | 1,700 kWh | 11.5 years |
Decision
The Martins chose to:
- Install 2kW on the flat rear extension (best payback per panel)
- Add 2kW on the shaded south roof (better than north despite shade)
- Leave the north roof empty
Total: 4kW system generating ~2,550 kWh/year with 12.3-year payback — better than any single option using the north roof.
Summary: North-Facing Decision Framework
| Question | If Yes | If No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have any south/SE/SW roof space? | Use that instead | Continue assessment |
| Do you have east or west roof space? | Use that instead | Continue assessment |
| Do you have a flat roof section? | Strongly consider that | Continue assessment |
| Is ground-mount possible? | Compare economics | Continue assessment |
| Is your north roof pitch under 25°? | North-facing may be viable | Economics are challenging |
| Is there any shading on the north roof? | Likely not viable | Continue assessment |
| Will you stay 15+ years? | May make sense | Probably not worthwhile |
| Is environmental benefit more important than ROI? | Consider proceeding | Probably not worthwhile |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will any installer quote for a north-facing roof?
Some will, some won’t. Installers who refuse are often being responsible — they don’t want to sell you a system with poor returns. Those who do quote should be transparent about the reduced output. Be wary of anyone who doesn’t mention the orientation issue.
Can I claim the same warranties on north-facing panels?
Yes. Panel and inverter warranties are not affected by orientation. The equipment works the same — it just receives less sunlight.
Will my electricity supplier pay the same export rate?
Yes. Smart Export Guarantee rates are per kWh regardless of how much you generate. You’ll just have fewer kWh to export.
Are there special panels designed for north-facing roofs?
No. All panels work on any orientation. Higher-efficiency panels help squeeze more from limited light, but there’s no “north-facing panel” product category.
What about bifacial panels on a north-facing roof?
Bifacial panels (which capture light from both sides) offer minimal benefit on a pitched roof — there’s no significant light reaching the rear of panels mounted flush to a roof.
Does climate change mean the UK will get more sun?
Possibly slightly, but not enough to fundamentally change north-facing economics. The issue is geometry (sun position), not total sunshine.
Conclusion
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Have other roof options available | Use those instead — don’t install on north |
| Low-pitch north roof (under 20°), no alternatives | May be viable — get quotes and assess returns |
| Typical pitch (30-35°) north roof, no alternatives | Marginal — only if staying 15+ years and accept reduced returns |
| Steep pitch (40°+) north roof | Rarely worthwhile — strongly consider ground-mount or other options |
| North roof with any shading | Not recommended |
North-facing solar isn’t impossible, but it requires realistic expectations. You’ll generate 40-45% less than a south-facing system, payback will extend beyond 15 years, and lifetime returns will be significantly reduced.
For most homeowners, the right approach is to exhaust alternatives first — the other side of your roof, outbuildings, flat sections, or ground-mount options. Only if genuinely no better option exists should you consider north-facing installation, and then with eyes wide open about the reduced returns.
If you do proceed, focus on maximising self-consumption, use high-efficiency panels, and accept that you’re making a long-term investment with modest rather than strong financial returns. The environmental benefits remain — you’ll still generate clean electricity — but the economics are challenging.
For general solar information, see our guide to solar panel systems. For solar panel costs across all orientations, see our comprehensive cost guide.
