What is the best direction for solar panels in the UK?

South gives the highest yearly output. East or west generate less in total but can match your usage better by producing more in the morning or afternoon. North-facing is the least productive.

What angle should plug-in solar panels be?

Around 30–40° from horizontal is close to ideal for a fixed panel in the UK. A vertical balcony mount produces less than an angled one, but can still be worthwhile where it's the only option.

Direction & shading

Solar panel direction and angle: getting it right

Two identical panels can generate very different amounts of electricity depending purely on which way they face and how they're tilted. For plug-in solar, where you can often choose the position, getting this right is one of the easiest ways to improve output.This guide explains the ideal orientation in the UK, how the alternatives compare, and what a vertical balcony mount costs you in output.

Written and edited by Christopher Panteli

Last reviewed 21 June 2026

Christopher is the founder and editor of MyPlugInSolar. He oversees the site’s research standards, data tools and editorial process. He is not an electrician or solar installer, and specialist technical claims are sourced from official documentation or reviewed by appropriately qualified professionals.

The ideal orientation in the UK

For a fixed panel in the UK, facing south at a tilt of roughly 30–40° from horizontal captures the most energy across the year. That's because it best tracks the sun's average height as the seasons change. You don't need to be exact — being within a band of this ideal still works well.

For an estimate tailored to your orientation and postcode, use our calculator.

How south, east and west compare

South is the highest-yield direction, but it isn't the only sensible one. East and west-facing panels generate less in total, yet they shift output toward the morning or afternoon — which can actually suit your usage better if that's when you're home. We compare this in detail in east vs west-facing solar.

Indicative relative yield by orientation (south = highest).
Orientation	Relative yearly yield	Output timing
South	Highest	Midday peak
East / west	Lower than south	Morning or afternoon
North	Lowest	Limited

Tilt and the vertical balcony question

Tilt matters as much as direction. A panel laid too flat or stood fully vertical loses output compared with one at a moderate angle. Many balcony installs mount panels vertically on a railing because that's what fits — and that typically gives less than an angled mount, though it can still be worthwhile. If you have the option, an angled bracket usually beats vertical. See balcony solar mounting and north-facing balcony solar for the awkward cases.

Don't forget shading

The best orientation is wasted if the panel is shaded for part of the day. Even partial shade from a railing, chimney or tree can cut output sharply. Always assess shading alongside direction and angle.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best direction for solar panels in the UK?: South gives the highest yearly output. East or west generate less in total but can match your usage better by producing more in the morning or afternoon. North-facing is the least productive.
What angle should plug-in solar panels be?: Around 30–40° from horizontal is close to ideal for a fixed panel in the UK. A vertical balcony mount produces less than an angled one, but can still be worthwhile where it's the only option.

Sources

1. PVGIS (Photovoltaic Geographical Information System) — European Commission, Joint Research Centre

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