Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Most roofs in the UK are suitable for solar, provided they are structurally sound and not heavily shaded by trees or other buildings. South-facing roofs are best, but East and West facing roofs still provide excellent yields. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended as the energy generation is significantly lower.

What is the 'Smart Export Guarantee' (SEG)?

The SEG is a UK government-backed initiative that requires energy suppliers to pay you for any solar energy you export back to the grid. To qualify, your system must be installed by an MCS-certified professional. Rates vary between suppliers, so it pays to shop around.

How many solar panels do I need?

The average UK household installs a 4kWp system, which typically consists of 10 panels. This usually generates enough energy to cover a large portion of a family's daytime needs. If you plan to add an EV or a heat pump in the future, you may want to maximize your roof space and go for a larger system.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels work using daylight (photons), not just direct sunlight. While they generate much more power on a clear sunny day, they will still produce energy when it is overcast, which is essential for the UK climate.

Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Most roofs in the UK are suitable for solar, provided they are structurally sound and not heavily shaded by trees or other buildings. South-facing roofs are best, but East and West facing roofs still provide excellent yields. North-facing roofs are generally not recommended as the energy generation is significantly lower.

What is the 'Smart Export Guarantee' (SEG)?

The SEG is a UK government-backed initiative that requires energy suppliers to pay you for any solar energy you export back to the grid. To qualify, your system must be installed by an MCS-certified professional. Rates vary between suppliers, so it pays to shop around.

How many solar panels do I need?

The average UK household installs a 4kWp system, which typically consists of 10 panels. This usually generates enough energy to cover a large portion of a family's daytime needs. If you plan to add an EV or a heat pump in the future, you may want to maximize your roof space and go for a larger system.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Yes. Solar panels work using daylight (photons), not just direct sunlight. While they generate much more power on a clear sunny day, they will still produce energy when it is overcast, which is essential for the UK climate.

Solar Yield Calculator

Estimate your roof's green energy potential.

System Size (kWp)

Typically 10 panels = ~4kWp

Roof Orientation

Roof Pitch (Degrees)

Flat (0°)Current: 35°Wall (90°)

Estimated Yield

Solar Tip: In the UK, the optimal roof pitch is between **35 and 40 degrees**, facing directly **South**. While East and West roofs generate about 15-20% less overall, they are often better for self-consumption as they generate power earlier in the morning and later in the evening when households are more active.

Solar Potential: Powering Your Home

Financial Freedom

With electricity prices in the UK remaining volatile, solar panels offer a way to lock in your energy costs for the next 20-25 years. By generating your own clean power, you can shield yourself from grid price hikes and earn money for the energy you don't use.

Our **solar yield calculator** uses standard UK regional data to provide a realistic estimate of how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) your roof could generate annually.

Orientation Impact

Direct South100% Efficiency

East / West~82% Efficiency

Direct North~55% Efficiency

Pitch & Shade

The angle of your roof (**Pitch**) significantly impacts the efficiency of the panels. In the UK, a pitch of 35-40 degrees is ideal for capturing the most sunlight over the course of a year.

However, the biggest enemy of solar efficiency is **shading**. Even a small amount of shade from a chimney or a nearby tree branch falling across a single panel can significantly reduce the output of the entire string unless you use 'Micro-inverters' or 'Optimisers'.

kWp vs kWh

**kWp** (Kilowatt-peak) is the theoretical maximum output of your panels in perfect laboratory conditions. **kWh** (Kilowatt-hours) is the actual energy generated and used to power your appliances.

Inverter Efficiency

Your inverter converts the DC electricity from the panels into AC electricity for your home. High-quality inverters are around 97-98% efficient. Sizing the inverter correctly to your array is vital for system health.

Pro Tip: Bird Guarding

When getting quotes for your installation, always ensure 'Bird Guarding' is included. This is a mesh that goes around the edge of the panels to prevent pigeons from nesting underneath, which can damage the wiring and create a significant mess.

Solar Panel FAQ

Yield Disclaimer

This calculator is an estimate based on average UK weather data. Actual generation will vary depending on your specific location (e.g., South Coast vs Scotland), local shading, and system maintenance. A formal MCS yield calculation must be provided by your installer.