What angle should solar panels be set in the UK?

During the summer months, when the sun is higher in the sky, solar panels in the UK should ideally be set at a shallower angle of around 20 degrees to maximise exposure to the more directly overhead sunlight.

What angle should solar panels be installed on a roof?

Anywhere between 20 and 50 degrees will usually enable your system to produce roughly as much electricity as it could. And in the case of most rooftop solar panel installations, the angle of the solar panels is determined by the angle of the roof – so there isn’t much you can do to change it.

Why should you install solar panels?

Installing solar panels lets you use free, renewable, low carbon electricity. You can sell surplus electricity to the grid or store it for later use. According to low-carbon certification organisation MCS , there were more than 183,000 solar panel installations across the UK in 2023.

Do solar panels need direct sunlight?

No. Solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to harness energy from sun, they just require some level of daylight in order to generate electricity. That said, the rate at which solar panels generate electricity varies depending on the amount of direct sunlight and the quality, size, number and location of panels in use.

What angle should a solar panel be positioned at?

Conversely, in winter, when the sun's path is lower, a steeper angle of around 50 degrees is recommended to capture the most sunlight possible from the lower-positioned sun. These seasonal variations mean that the optimal angle for solar panels changes throughout the year.

Can I get solar panels installed in my home?

There's help available to get solar panels installed in your home, but you usually need to be on certain benefits or have a low income to be eligible. What each scheme offers, and its eligibility criteria varies: The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.