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This article was last reviewed on 1 July 2026.
Most UK homes are suitable for solar panels. The main things that matter are your roof orientation, available space, roof condition, and whether the property has any planning restrictions. But it's worth understanding what these factors mean before booking a survey. This guide covers roof type, orientation, condition, flat roofs, listed buildings, conservation areas, and location. OVO's free home survey assesses all of this before you commit to anything.
Does roof orientation matter for solar panels?
Yes, but not as much as you might think. A south-facing roof with a pitch of 30 to 40 degrees is ideal, catching the most direct sunlight across the day. But east and west-facing roofs work well too. Southwest and southeast facing roofs are only around 15% less efficient than due south. Even an east/west split, panels on both sides of a pitched roof, work well for homes that want a steadier output across the day rather than a midday peak.
North-facing roofs are the one to avoid. They generate significantly less than other orientations and rarely make financial sense.
| Roof orientation: | Relative output vs south-facing: | Worth installing? |
|---|---|---|
| South | 100% — optimal | Yes — ideal |
| Southwest / Southeast | Around 85 to 90% | Yes — very good |
| East or West | Around 70 to 80% | Yes — works well, especially with east/west split |
| North | Significantly lower | Not recommended |
Shading is just as important as orientation. If trees, chimneys, or neighbouring buildings cast shadows across your roof during the day, output will drop. OVO's survey includes a shading assessment, it's one of the first things our engineers check.
How much roof space do you need for solar panels?
Each panel takes up roughly 1.7m² of roof space. A typical 4kWp system for a 3-bedroom home needs around 9 to 10 panels, that's approximately 17m² of usable roof. You don't need to cover your entire roof, and you don't need a large property. Most semi-detached and terraced houses have enough space for a meaningful system.
Obstructions like skylights, roof windows, or Velux windows reduce available space. Your survey will map out exactly what's usable.
Can you get solar panels on a flat roof?
Yes, solar panels can be installed on flat roofs, but the approach is different. On a pitched roof, panels follow the existing slope. On a flat roof, they need to be angled using a mounting frame to generate electricity properly. A panel lying flat generates around 20 to 30% less than one tilted at 30 to 35 degrees, so the mounting system matters.
How flat roof solar panels are mounted
The most common approach for residential flat roofs is a ballasted mounting system. Metal frames sit on rubber feet to spread the load, with concrete blocks holding everything in place; no drilling through the roof membrane. This keeps the roof watertight and means the installation can be removed without leaving damage.
Panels are typically tilted at 10 to 15 degrees, which balances energy output against wind resistance and the weight of the ballast needed.
Is my flat roof strong enough?
A ballasted system adds significant weight, typically 20 to 40kg per square metre. Whether your flat roof can carry this depends on the age, structure, and condition of the building. OVO's survey includes a structural assessment for flat roofs before any installation is confirmed. If your roof isn't strong enough as it stands, the installation won't go ahead.
Residential flat roofs on garages, extensions, and single storey additions tend to be suitable. Older or lightweight flat roofs may need a structural assessment before installation can be confirmed.
Planning rules for flat roof solar
Flat roof solar panels fall under permitted development rights in most cases. The key condition is that panels must not project more than 600mm above the highest point of the roof. Most ballasted domestic systems stay well within this. If your flat roof is on a listed building or in a conservation area, different rules apply — these are covered below.
Not sure whether your flat roof is suitable? OVO's free home survey covers structural checks, orientation and shading before you commit to anything.
Can you get solar panels on a listed building?
Yes, but you'll need listed building consent from your local planning authority before any work begins. Installing solar panels on a listed building without consent is a criminal offence, and the local authority can make you remove them.
That said, consent is often granted. Historically, England actively supports solar panels on listed buildings, recognising that climate action and heritage conservation are compatible goals. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
To improve your chances of approval:
• The panels shouldn't significantly alter the building's external appearance
• Mounting should be reversible — leaving no permanent damage to the fabric
• Panels should be positioned away from the most visible elevations where possible
• Ground-mounted panels in the grounds of a listed building can be a useful alternative to roof installation
Start by speaking to your local authority's conservation team before applying for approval, they can advise on what's likely to be accepted for your specific building and help you design a proposal that will get approved.
Listed building consent is separate from planning permission. You may need both, or just listed building consent, depending on your installation. Always confirm with your local authority before proceeding.
Solar panels in conservation areas
Living in a conservation area doesn't automatically mean you need planning permission for solar panels. In most cases, permitted development rights still apply, meaning you can install panels without a formal application, as long as the installation meets standard conditions.
The main restriction specific to conservation areas is that panels must not be fitted to a wall that faces a highway. This includes roads, footpaths, and public rights of way. Roof-mounted panels facing away from the street are generally fine.
Some conservation areas have an Article 4 Direction in place, which removes certain permitted development rights and requires you to apply for planning permission. Check with your local council whether your area is affected before assuming you can proceed without an application.
Does my roof need to be in good condition?
Solar panels last 25 to 30 years, so it's important that the roof they're mounted on is in reasonable condition. If your roof would need significant repairs or replacement within the next 10 years, it's worth addressing that before installing panels, removing and reinstalling a solar array to re-roof underneath adds cost and disruption.
OVO's survey includes a roof condition check. If there are concerns, we'll flag them before you commit. It's far better to know upfront.
Does location affect whether solar panels are worth it in the UK?
Location affects output but not suitability. Solar panels work across the whole of the UK — including Scotland, Wales, and the North of England. The difference in annual generation between the sunniest parts of the South and cloudier northern areas is typically 15 to 20%, not the dramatic gap many people assume.
A 4kWp system in southern England generates around 3,400 kWh per year. The same system in Scotland generates around 2,900 to 3,100 kWh, still enough to make a meaningful dent in your electricity bills and qualify for Smart Export Guarantee payments on anything you export.
Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not heat. They work on overcast days — just less efficiently than on bright, sunny ones. The UK climate is not a barrier to installing solar panels anywhere in the country.
Quick suitability checklist
Most homes tick most of these. If you tick five or more, a survey is worth booking:
| Factor: | Good for solar? | Worth checking further: |
|---|---|---|
| Roof orientation | South, SE, SW, east or west-facing | North-facing — output significantly lower |
| Roof space | 15m² or more usable, unshaded | Heavy shading from trees or chimneys |
| Roof condition | Sound, no major repairs needed in 10 years | Roof nearing end of life |
| Roof type | Pitched tile, slate, or metal | Flat roof — possible but needs structural check |
| Planning | Standard property with no restrictions | Listed building or conservation area with A4D |
| Ownership | Own the property or have landlord consent | Rented without landlord agreement |
If you're not sure about any of these, OVO's free home survey answers all of them before you decide. If solar isn't right for your home, we'll tell you that too, before you've paid anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get solar panels on my house?
Most UK homeowners can. The main requirements are a roof with usable space that isn't north-facing, in reasonable structural condition, and without planning restrictions that would prevent installation. OVO's free home survey checks all of this for your specific property.
Do solar panels need planning permission?
Most roof-mounted solar installations in the UK don't need planning permission, they fall under permitted development rights. Exceptions include listed buildings (which need listed building consent), some conservation areas with Article 4 Directions, and ground-mounted systems above a certain size. Your installer will confirm what applies to your property.
What does a solar panel survey involve?
OVO's free home survey covers your roof orientation and shading, available roof space, structural condition, and any planning requirements. It takes around an hour and results in a fixed-price quote for your specific home. There's no obligation to proceed after the survey.
Can I get solar panels on a flat roof?
Yes. Flat roof solar uses a ballasted mounting system — panels sit on weighted frames without drilling through the roof membrane. A structural assessment is included in OVO's survey to confirm your roof can carry the load. Panels on a flat roof are typically tilted at 10 to 15 degrees and generate slightly less than a south-facing pitched roof equivalent.
Book OVO's free home survey. We'll assess your roof, orientation, shading, and any planning requirements and give you a straight answer on whether solar is right for your home.