Maximising Solar PV Potential on East and West Facing Roofs in the UK

As the UK strides towards a greener and more sustainable future, solar PV installations have become a cornerstone for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. Traditionally, the ideal positioning for solar panels has been on south-facing roofs to capture maximum sunlight. However, for many homes in Milton Keynes and across the UK, such an ideal orientation is not always feasible. This leads us to an important question:

What about east and west facing roofs? Are they a viable option for solar PV installations?

The answer is a resounding yes. Let’s explore the benefits of installing solar PV panels on east and west facing roofs.

1. Extended Hours of Electricity Generation

One of the key advantages of installing solar panels on east and west facing roofs is the extension of electricity generation times throughout the day. East-facing panels catch the morning sun, while west-facing panels harness the late afternoon and evening light. This spread can result in a more consistent supply of solar-generated electricity from sunrise to sunset, contrasting with the peak midday production seen with south-facing installations.

For households with varying energy usage patterns, this can mean better alignment with their consumption needs.

2. Optimising for Energy Demand

The UK’s energy demand peaks in the early morning and late afternoon, coinciding with the times when east and west facing solar panels are most effective. This alignment can be particularly beneficial for households looking to maximise self-consumption of their solar energy, reducing reliance on the grid and potentially lowering energy bills even further.

3. Increased Efficiency in Cooler Conditions

Solar panels operate more efficiently in cooler conditions. East and west facing panels in the UK can therefore benefit from receiving sunlight during cooler parts of the day (morning/east, afternoon/west), potentially increasing their efficiency compared to south-facing panels that absorb the strongest, and often hottest, midday sun.

4. Benefiting from Solar Incentives

With various incentives available for solar PV installations in the UK, including the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), homeowners can get compensated for surplus energy fed back into the grid. Panels installed on east and west facing roofs can still produce a significant amount of electricity, contributing to household income through these incentives.

5. Making Use of Otherwise Underutilised Spaces

For many properties in Milton Keynes and beyond, roof orientation and space constraints may limit the feasibility of south-facing installations. East and west facing roofs offer an opportunity to utilise these spaces effectively, ensuring that more homes can benefit from solar energy without the need for optimal south-facing orientations.

A Bright Future for All Roof Orientations

In conclusion, while south-facing roofs may capture more direct sunlight, east and west facing roofs still offer a valuable and efficient opportunity for solar PV installations in the UK. By providing extended generation times, aligning with energy demand, and making efficient use of available space, these installations can play a pivotal role in the UK’s renewable energy landscape. Homeowners in Milton Keynes considering solar PV should not be deterred by their roof orientation. With the right approach, east and west facing roofs can significantly contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.