Is it worth it, and what will it cost?

Is your roof suitable for solar?

Short answer

A suitable roof needs enough structurally sound, reasonably unshaded space for a worthwhile layout. Direction and pitch affect expected generation but rarely answer the question on their own. Ownership, roof condition, obstructions, electrical access and planning limits must also be checked before installation.

Physical checks
Condition, space and fixings
Generation checks
Direction, pitch and shade
Legal checks
Ownership and planning
Final answer
Needs an on-site survey
By the UKSolars editorial team Updated 2026-09-09
Sources checked 2026-09-09
Diagram of four roof checks for solar: orientation and pitch, shade, usable area, and roof condition
A desktop estimate cannot replace a roof survey; these are the four physical checks the survey must resolve.

You can do a useful first check from the garden or loft, but only an on-site survey can confirm roof structure, fixings and electrical work.

The six checks

  1. Direction and pitch. South-facing roofs often give the highest annual output, but east and west can still work well. Ask for an estimate for each roof plane being proposed.
  2. Shade. Trees, chimneys, dormers and nearby buildings can reduce output. The effect varies through the day and year.
  3. Usable area. Measure around roof windows, ridges, hips and other obstructions. The final layout also needs safe clearances and suitable fixing points.
  4. Condition. Loose tiles, an ageing covering or structural concerns should be resolved before panels are fitted.
  5. Ownership. Leaseholders may need consent from a landlord, freeholder or management company. Check title or lease restrictions rather than relying on verbal permission.
  6. Planning. Many installations are permitted development, but limits and exceptions apply.

What a proper survey should give you

Ask for a written layout, the system capacity, a roof-specific generation estimate, identified shade, fixing method and any work excluded from the price. If the survey changes the original proposal, ask for the revised generation and payback assumptions too.

A satellite image is a starting point

It can show direction and broad area. It cannot confirm tile condition, rafters, electrical access or what a tree will shade in winter. Do not pay a non-refundable sum based only on a remote layout.

If the first check looks promising, review how many panels you may need and questions to ask the installer.

Common questions

Can solar panels go on an east- or west-facing roof?
Yes, subject to a satisfactory survey. Expected annual output will normally differ from an equivalent south-facing roof, but the timing of generation may fit your household use. Ask for a roof-specific estimate.
Can solar panels go on a north-facing roof?
Sometimes, but expected output is usually lower and the economics need careful checking. A split roof or shallow pitch can change the result, so use a model based on the exact roof rather than a blanket rule.
Must I repair the roof first?
If tiles, covering or structure need near-term work, doing it before the solar installation usually avoids paying to remove and refit the array later. Ask the surveyor to record roof condition and any exclusions in writing.

Sources

Checked 2026-09-09. Rates, rules and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms before signing a contract or applying for funding.

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