Do solar panels work on a north facing roof

Can solar panels be installed on a north-facing roof?

With the growing demand for solar energy, many homeowners are beginning to ask the question of whether or not solar panels can be installed on a north-facing roof. While it is not the standard recommendation, it is possible to install solar panels on a north-facing roof and still receive the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy.

Should a solar system be installed on a north facing roof?

But installing on a north facing roof made absolutely no sense. That’s because a north facing solar system typically produces about 56% of the output of a south facing system. Since 2010, the cost of electricity has risen from 11p per kilowatt hour to over 30p per kilowatt hour. That’s almost a three-fold increase.

Which side of a roof is best for solar panels?

So, if your home or roof does not have any north-facing roof space available, but does have two sides that face east and west, you may be asking yourself which side would be a better location for the most power generation. Making the right decision will impact on how much money you can save with your solar panels.

Are north facing solar panels worth the money?

With electricity prices rising, north facing solar panels are now often worth the money. Long ago, when the year was 2010, electricity was cheaper than it is now and solar panels were way more expensive. Installing solar just about made financial sense on a south facing roof. But installing on a north facing roof made absolutely no sense.

Should solar panels be pointing south or North?

It’s considered common knowledge that you want to point your solar modules south, toward the equator (assuming you are in the northern hemisphere). This maximizes the energy production over the course of the year, through both summer and winter. Sometimes, however, the homeowner will want to add modules on the north-facing roof.

Are north-facing solar panels better than south-facing?

While most experts recommend south-facing solar panels for optimal performance, north-facing panels can still be viable. The challenges associated with north-facing roofs can be overcome with proper orientation and avoiding shade. All these benefits make the system expected to pay for itself in less than six years.