July 31, 2025

“Is it worth installing solar panels if my roof doesn’t face south?”

If you’re a homeowner in Ireland thinking about installing solar panels, you’ve probably asked this question while wading through endless technical jargon.

One term that comes up again and again is “orientation”. But what does that actually mean, and does it really make a difference?

In simple terms: yes, the direction your solar panels face can have a big impact on how much energy my solar panels generate. But that doesn’t mean your roof has to be perfect to make solar worthwhile.

1. What is Solar Panel Orientation?

Solar panel orientation refers to the direction your panels face in relation to the sun. This is usually described using terms like south-facing, east-facing, or west-facing. This is different from the tilt, which is the angle or slope of your roof.

Solar panels work by converting daylight, not direct sunlight, into electricity. That’s why they still generate electricity, even on cloudy days.

That said, the amount of consistent daylight a panel receives depends heavily on the direction it faces.

As Ireland is in the northern hemisphere, the sun’s arc tends to favour the southern half of the sky.

This means:

• A south-facing roof will usually capture the most daylight throughout the year.

• An east-facing roof performs best in the morning.

• A west-facing roof performs best in the afternoon and evening.

• A north-facing roof typically receives less consistent daylight, making it the least effective orientation for solar.

2. Why Direction Matters in Ireland

In Ireland, daylight is a valuable resource; especially in the winter, when days are shorter and the sun stays lower on the horizon (Met Éireann). The direction your panels face determines how much of that daylight they can capture across the year.

While solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to work, they generate more electricity when exposed to higher levels of irradiance. Irradiance is the technical term for the strength of the light hitting the panels. And irradiance levels vary significantly depending on orientation.

South-facing panels receive the most stable and intense irradiance throughout the day, which usually results in the highest annual output per installed kilowatt. In contrast, panels facing away from the sun’s general arc, especially north-facing ones, are exposed to weaker and more diffuse light for much of the year.

The effect of this is measurable:

• A south-facing array might generate 100% of its potential output.

• East or west-facing panels could drop to 80-90%.

• North-facing panels might fall to 60-70%, depending on shading and roof pitch.

These differences can influence your system’s overall value, not just in terms of savings, but also how much of your electricity use is covered by solar. In a climate where every bit of daylight counts, getting orientation right can mean a more reliable, better-performing system over time.

3. What’s the Best Orientation for Irish Homes?

Ideally, you want your panels to face due south, and be tilted at about 30-35 degrees, matching the average solar path in Ireland (source: SEAI). But, very few roofs are textbook perfect, and that’s okay.

An east-west split array (where some panels face east and some face west) can still work well. These systems typically produce more balanced energy throughout the day, which can make them a good match for households using electricity in the morning and evening.

Orientation is just one piece of the puzzle. Roof size, pitch, shading, and even your energy usage habits all play a role in deciding what system makes sense.

4. What if My Roof Isn’t South-Facing?

This is a common concern. But the good news is that solar still works.

Reputable, professional installers often adjust for orientation by:

• Using higher-wattage panels.

• Increasing the number of panels (if space allows).

• Splitting your array between two roof surfaces.

• Adding optimisers to reduce the effect of shading or directional mismatch.

For example, an east-facing system may produce less total energy than a south-facing one, but that energy might come at times when your household is more likely to use it, reducing your reliance on the grid.

5. How Installers Assess Your Roof Orientation

A professional and qualified installer will carry out a survey of your roof using:

• Satellite imagery

• On-site compass or smartphone apps

• Shading analysis tools

• PV system simulation software

They will assess how much daylight your panels will get throughout the year and give you a personalised estimate of performance, factoring in both orientation and tilt.

This makes it easy to understand what kind of return you can expect.

6. Should Orientation Affect My Decision to Go Solar?

Yes, but it shouldn’t stop you from exploring your options.

Most homes in Ireland are suitable for solar, even if they aren’t south-facing.

However, if your roof faces north and you don’t have much space or flexibility, a reputable solar installer should tell you honestly whether solar is worth the investment, or if there are any suitable alternative options, such as a ground-mount solar system.

A trustworthy solar installer will speak with you honestly and walk you through the pros and cons based on your own roof.

Final Thoughts

Solar panel orientation does matter, but it’s just one part of a much larger puzzle.

The best way to know if your home is suitable for solar is to arrange a professional home consultation and survey with a reputable solar installer.

Learn more about how to choose a reputable solar installer.

Understanding your roof’s potential is the first step toward a smart, informed decision about going solar.

Want to know if your roof is suitable for solar?

Every home is different, and the best way to find out what works for yours is with a survey.

Complete the form below and to book your free, no-obligation consultation and survey with our team.