Your roof and your property
Solar on a north-facing roof
Short answer
A north-facing array normally produces less annually than an equivalent south-facing array, but the result depends on exact direction, pitch, shade, location and price. Require a roof-specific generation estimate and compare it with east-west, outbuilding or smaller layouts before deciding whether the figures work.
A north-facing roof is not an automatic yes or no. Its pitch, exact direction, latitude, shade, system cost and available alternatives determine whether the lower expected output is useful.
Ask for separate roof-specific generation estimates for every proposed layout. Compare a north-only design with east/west slopes, an outbuilding or a smaller array on the best area.
Test the economics conservatively
Use the installer’s MCS estimate, realistic self-use and the export rate you can receive. Do not apply a generic south-facing yield to a north-facing quotation.
East-west is not the same as due north
An east-west array spreads generation across morning and afternoon. Assess its own estimate rather than grouping every non-south roof together.
Run each layout through the payback calculator.
Sources
Checked 2026-09-09. Rates, rules and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms before signing a contract or applying for funding.
What will solar cost you, and when does it pay back?
Set your roof size, your bill, your tariff and your export rate, and see the install cost, annual saving and payback year — with every assumption visible and editable. Runs in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.
Get important solar updates
One email when a grant, export rate or rule changes. No newsletters or sales emails.