Technical FAQs 4

Do north-facing solar panels produce more solar energy?

As the UK is in the northern hemisphere, south-facing panels will receive the most sun exposure throughout the day and, therefore, will produce more solar energy. However, this doesn’t mean that north-facing solar panels are fruitless.

Do solar panels work on the north side of a roof?

Yes, solar panels work on the north side of a roof, but they generate less electricity compared to south-facing panels. According to a 2024 study by Yorkshire-based installer Oval Renewables, north-facing panels are around 54% as effective as south-facing ones.

How much energy does a north-facing solar system produce?

For a typical 3kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system, north-facing panels will produce approximately 1,145 kWh of electricity per year, compared to, say, 1,361 kWh for a south-facing installation. So, north-facing panels don’t produce zero energy, but it is considerably less. How does this differ from south-facing solar panels?

Do north-facing solar panels work in the northern hemisphere?

North-facing solar panels can work but are generally not recommended in the Northern Hemisphere due to significantly reduced energy production (45-60% of optimal). However, they may be viable in locations with very high electricity rates, abundant sunshine, or when combined with other orientations in a multi-array system.

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Can solar panels generate electricity if they face north

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