Do You Qualify for Solar Panels? The Real Checklist
Roof orientation, pitch, shading, structure, permissions and grid limits — the practical checklist installers use to decide whether your home suits solar.
Key takeaways
- South-facing is ideal, but east/west split arrays are viable and often cheaper per unit saved.
- Shading is the single biggest performance killer; optimisers or microinverters can mitigate it.
- Most domestic installs fall under permitted development, with exceptions for listed buildings and conservation areas.
- Grid connection limits can cap system size in some areas.
1. Roof orientation and pitch
South-facing roofs at a 30–40 degree pitch produce the most. East–west arrays produce roughly 15–20% less overall but spread generation across the morning and evening, which can suit household usage better and improve self-consumption.
2. Shading
Chimneys, dormers, trees and neighbouring buildings can disproportionately reduce output on a string system. A surveyor will run a shading analysis; power optimisers or microinverters isolate the affected panels so one shaded module does not drag down the rest.
3. Roof condition and structure
Panels last 25+ years, so the roof underneath needs to. If your covering is near end of life, replace it first — removing and refitting an array later is an avoidable cost. Older or unusual structures may need a structural check.
4. Permissions
Most domestic rooftop solar is permitted development. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and some flats or shared roofs need consent. Ground-mounted arrays have separate size limits.
5. Electrics and grid connection
Your consumer unit needs spare capacity and modern protective devices. Larger systems may need approval from your Distribution Network Operator before commissioning, which a good installer handles for you.
6. Ownership and tenure
Owner-occupiers can proceed directly. Tenants need landlord consent; leaseholders may need freeholder approval. Getting this in writing early prevents a wasted survey.
Frequently asked questions
Is a north-facing roof always a no?
Purely north-facing arrays are rarely worth it in the UK, but many homes have a suitable secondary elevation. A survey looks at the whole roof, not one face.
How much roof space do I need?
Roughly 2m² per panel. A 4kW system needs about 20m² of unshaded roof.