Understanding your options for solar panels
Solar PVs on North Facing Roofs
Solar PVs -
are they worth it?
Yes, Solar Panels on a North-facing roof can still generate worthwhile electricity and savings thanks to modern high-efficiency solar technology. In the UK, North-facing solar panels typically generate around 2,400-2,800 kWh per year for a standard 4kW system, compared to 3,400-3,800 kWh for south-facing panels. This represents roughly 65-70% of the output you'd achieve with optimal south-facing orientation.
When you contact us, we will provide an honest assessment of your property and look at all other options that might be available to you to fully maximise your solar energy opportunity rather than pushing an unsuitable system. This could include Ground Mounted Solar Panels - if you have garden space, ground-mounted solar arrays can be positioned at the optimal south-facing angle regardless of your roof orientation. Or Solar Panels on Outbuildings - garages, sheds, or other outbuildings with better roof orientation can host your solar array. As long as the building has suitable structural integrity and reasonable proximity to your main consumer unit, this provides an excellent alternative to north-facing house roofs.
When North Facing Solar Panels Make Sense
Limited Roof Space
If north-facing is your only available roof area, solar panels still offer significant long-term savings compared to no solar installation.
Financial Savings
Solar panels can still reduce your energy bills by £250-£500 annually, with most systems paying for themselves within 12-15 years.
Future-Proofing
With energy prices projected to rise, locking in decades of reduced electricity costs provides valuable protection against inflation.
High Electricity Costs
Households with expensive energy tariffs or high consumption benefit more from any solar generation, regardless of roof orientation.
Environmental Priority
Even reduced solar generation significantly lowers your carbon footprint, preventing tons of CO2 emissions over the system's lifetime.
Combined With Battery Storage
Pairing north-facing panels with a home battery maximizes the value of every kWh generated.
What To Consider
Here at Arc Line Design we ensure we are upfront about what to expect from us, and the the process of installing solar panels, from the very first time you contact us through to our post-installation aftercare. Here's an overview of what you can expect:
Other Orientations
Do you have any garden space, outbuildings or garages or East or West facing roof sections that could be considered? Any of these can work with your North-facing array to improve your solar energy generation and increase your financial savings
Battery Storage
A battery system stores excess solar generation for use during peak evening hours when panels produce less or no electricity. This improves the financial returns of north-facing panels by ensuring you use more of your solar energy directly rather than exporting it at lower rates. Battery systems typically add £3,000-£6,000 to installation costs but can increase total savings by 30-50%.
Installation Costs
North-facing solar panel systems cost the same to install as any other orientation—typically £4,000-£8,000 for a 4kW residential system. The roof direction doesn't affect equipment costs, labour, or complexity.
Annual Savings
With average electricity rates, a 4kW north-facing system saves approximately £250-£500 annually on energy bills. Add £50-£100 from Smart Export Guarantee payments for electricity you send to the grid. Total annual benefit ranges from £300-£600 compared to no solar installation.
Payback Period
Lifetime Value
Over 25 years, a north-facing 4kW system can save £7,500-£15,000 in electricity costs, factoring in rising energy prices. While this represents about 70% of what optimally positioned panels deliver, it's still a substantial return compared to taking no action.
Get In Touch
Ready to discover exactly how much energy and savings solar panels could generate for your home? Our solar experts will design a system tailored to your property, energy usage, and budget—with no obligation and no pushing of unsuitable systems.
Call Arc Line Design today on 01603 975115 or use our contact form.
