🏠 You can put solar panels on a dormer roof, but it depends on the type

❌ Flat roof dormers aren’t usually suitable

📐 Your dormer roof must be large enough and structurally sound

🛠️ One alternative is to install solar panels around your dormer

☀️ You could also choose a different section of your roof

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What is a dormer roof?

Different types of dormer roof

Are dormer roofs compatible with solar panels?

How to install solar panels if you have a dormer roof

Summary

Solar panels on a dormer roof: FAQs

Which roofs are unsuitable for solar panels?

Can solar panels go on top of skylights?

Can you use your loft if you have solar panels?

Can you put solar panels on a dormer roof? [UK, 2025]

Can you put solar panels on a dormer roof?

⚡ Solar panel shading can affect a whole system’s output

♨️ The main risk associated with solar panel shading is hotspots

↔️ Bypass diodes are a vital part of any modern solar panel

🧠 Expert system design is the first step to avoiding solar panel shading

💷 Microinverters are a handy solution, but not always worth the extra cost

Is shading an issue for solar panels?

How much does shading affect solar panel output?

What are the risks associated with solar panel shading?

How to reduce the impact of solar panel shading

Next steps

Solar panel shading: FAQs

What is solar panel shading?

How do you deal with shading on solar panels?

Do solar panels work if partially shaded?

Discover the typical impact of shade on solar panel output in the UK, and the five smart ways to mitigate it.

Solar panel shading: impacts and solutions [UK, 2025]

Solar panel shading: is it a problem?

💷 Though it's cheaper upfront, a DIY solar installation can end up costing you more

⛔ DIY installs aren't eligible for any export income

⚠️ If you aren’t a qualified installer, you risk significant safety issues

❌ You’ll most likely void your solar panel & battery warranties 

📄 You’ll have to deal with any planning applications on your own

Is it possible to do your own solar panel installation?

Things to consider before doing a DIY solar install

6 reasons to avoid a DIY solar install

DIY solar installations: FAQs

Can I legally install solar panels myself?

Can I add solar panels to my existing system myself?

What is the cheapest way to install solar?

Thinking of installing solar panels on your own? Find out why a DIY solar installation isn't a smart idea in the long term.

DIY solar panel installations: the 6 key risks [UK, 2025]

DIY solar panels: should you do your own installation?

⚡ Flexi-Orb has created an installation scheme for renewable technology

🌞 It covers solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers

🛡️ All Flexi-Orb certified installations come with an insurance-backed guarantee

🏆 Flexi-Orb meets the highest standards in the industry

💪 Flexi-Orb’s scheme is even more rigorous than MCS’s

What is Flexi-Orb?

Flexi-Orb vs MCS: what’s the difference?

Is Flexi-Orb or MCS certification mandatory?

How does an installer become Flexi-Orb certified?

Flexi-Orb vs MCS: FAQs

What is a Flexi-Orb certificate?

Is Flexi-Orb the same as MCS?

Does Octopus require a Flexi-Orb or MCS certificate?

Here's what Flexi-Orb is, how it differs from MCS, and the benefits of hiring an installer that's been certified by Flexi-Orb.

The Flexi-Orb scheme: explained [UK, 2025]

The Flexi-Orb scheme: explained

☀️ South-facing solar panels are best in the northern hemisphere

🧭 North-facing solar panels are about 54% as effective as south-facing ones

⚡ East- and west-facing panels can still generate significant amounts of electricity

📈 Solar panels have become much more powerful in the past 15-20 years

✅ North-facing panels are a worthwhile addition to a solar panel system

Are south-facing solar panels the best?

Do north-facing solar panels work?

Why has north-facing solar panel output improved?

Is it worth getting north-facing solar panels?

North-facing solar panels: FAQs

Should solar panels face north or south?

Do solar panels work on the north side?

Can I put solar panels facing east?

We explore the difference in output between north-facing and south-facing solar panels, and discuss whether it's worth having a north-facing solar panel array in the UK.

North-facing vs south-facing panels [UK, 2025]

North-facing vs south-facing panels

⬇️ The best direction for solar panels to face in the UK is usually south

📐 The ideal angle for solar panels in the UK is around 40 degrees

🌞 Solar panels that face east or west are still extremely productive

🌍 The optimum angle changes as the Earth rotates

✂️ An inferior angle or direction can cut your output by 50% or more

Why is solar panel angle and orientation important?

What’s the best angle for solar panels?

When assessing the suitability of your property for solar, a good installer should always take roof angle into account. When we’re looking at a home, we use software that accurately tells us the roof angle, and then we factor this into our forecasts for electricity output and energy bill savings.

The UK's first solar subscription

What’s the best direction for solar panels to face?

North-facing rooftops are traditionally considered unsuitable for solar panels in the UK, but this isn’t necessarily the case anymore – solar panel technology has come a long way in the past couple of decades. If you’re already installing solar on a south-facing, east-facing or west-facing roof and you have an additional roof that faces north, it may be worth adding an array on there too.

What if you don’t have an angled roof for solar panels?

Best angle and direction for solar panels: FAQs

What is the best angle to install solar panels?

Which direction should solar panels face in the UK?

Do I need a south-facing roof for solar panels?

Is it better for solar panels to be east or west facing?

What is the best angle for solar panels in winter?

Is it worth putting solar panels on a north-facing roof?

Learn about the optimum set up for rooftop solar panels in the UK to ensure the highest output.

The best angle and direction for solar panels [UK, 2025]

The best angle and direction for solar panels in the UK

✅ The MCS certificate is one of the best stamps of approval for green technology 

☀️ It covers both solar panels and solar panel installers

➕ There are many benefits to have a certified solar panel installation

📃 It’s not mandatory to have an MCS certificate, but your system should be certified

❌ Be wary of solar panel installers that aren't certified

What is the MCS certificate for solar panels?

🤔 Thinking of going solar? Here's why a larger system makes sense ⬇️

Is it mandatory for your solar panels to have an MCS certificate?

Is the MCS certificate easy for installers to get?

What other solar accreditations are important?

MCS certificate for solar: FAQs

Do you need an MCS certificate for solar panels?

How do I get an MCS certificate?

How much does MCS certification cost?

Here's why the Microgeneration Certification Scheme is one of the best ways to guarantee your solar installation's quality.

The MCS certificate for solar panels: an expert guide [2025]

The MCS certificate for solar panels: an expert guide

💷 Ground-mounted solar installations cost 15-20% more than rooftop systems

📃 Most ground-mounted systems will need planning permission

🌳 You'll experience more issues with shading

⚡ Only consider a ground-mounted system if your electricity usage is very high

🏠 Rooftop systems make much more sense for most UK homes

What are ground-mounted solar panels?

How much do ground-mounted solar panels cost?

The process of installing ground-mounted solar panels is very labour intensive, which really adds to the overall cost. Usually, installers will need to dig multiple trenches and fill them with concrete, and then metal A-frames need screwing in. In most cases, rooftop solar installations are much simpler and cheaper.

Ground-mounted vs roof-mounted solar panels

How are ground-mounted solar panels installed?

Are ground-mounted solar panels worth it?

Ground-mounted solar panels: FAQs

How long do ground solar panels last?

Can I put solar panels in my garden in the UK?

What are the rules for ground mounted solar panels?

Find out how much ground-mounted solar panels cost and how their requirements differ from roof-mounted solar installations.

Ground-mounted solar panels: are they worth it? [UK, 2025]

Ground-mounted solar panels: are they worth it?

✔️ You can absolutely get solar panels installed on a slate roof

📐 But it’s a longer, more complex process

🛠️ Your installer will remove a few tiles and cut them to fit around the brackets

🚫 Solar flashing will ensure there are no leaks

💷 Slate roof solar installations are typically more expensive

Can you install solar panels on a slate roof?

A solar installation on a slate roof requires a bit more time and skill than a standard install. Unlike normal concrete tiles, every single slate tile is nailed in, and so they need to be removed very carefully. If you just lift up a slate tile and try to wriggle it out, it’ll snap.

How are solar panels installed on a slate roof?

Installing solar panels on a slate roof won’t damage the tiles if it’s done properly. At Sunsave, we make sure we fix directly onto the rafters, which involves taking some slates out, cutting them, and putting them back in carefully. Some installers just drill directly through the slate, which over time can cause leaks.

Do slate roof solar installations take longer?

Do slate roof solar installations cost extra?

Solar panels on slate roofs: FAQs

Can solar panels be placed on a slate roof?

Do you need planning permission to put solar panels on a slate roof?

What is the drawback of putting solar panels on a slate roof?

How does an installer fit solar panels on a slate roof? Here's why it’s a little more complicated, but ultimately worth it.

Solar panels on slate roofs: an expert guide [UK, 2025]

Solar panels on slate roofs: an expert guide

🏠 Solar panels do work on homes with a flat roof – but there are drawbacks

💪 Residential flat roofs typically aren’t strong enough for solar panels

🏢 Most flat roof installations are on large commercial buildings

💷 Flat roof installations can be complex, risky, and expensive

✅ You can get solar panels on a flat roof without planning permission

Get a quote for sloped-roof solar panels

Can you put solar panels on a flat roof?

Even if your flat roof has been deemed strong enough for solar panels, it’s usually not a great idea to proceed with the install. Most flat roofs tend to last about 10-20 years because of the long-term damage caused by sitting rainwater, so you’ll probably have to replace your roof halfway through your panels’ lifetime.

Difficulties with installing solar panels on a flat roof

Do you need planning permission for solar panels on a flat roof?

What are the benefits of solar panels on a flat roof?

Solar panels on flat roofs: FAQs

Are flat-roof solar panels worth it?

How much space should be between solar panels on a flat roof?

Where is the best place to put solar panels on a roof?

Learn about the difficulties associated with installing solar panels on residential flat roofs, and whether there are any solutions.

Solar panels on flat roofs: explored [UK, 2025]

Solar panels on flat roofs: explored

🌞 Solar panels are set to be compulsory for most new builds by 2027

📅 Details should be revealed in autumn 2025, in the Future Homes Standard

🏠 Many new properties are already built with solar panels installed

👎 Some developers install just a couple of panels, as a box-ticking exercise

⭐ The EU has made solar panels on new builds a requirement by 2029

Are solar panels on new builds compulsory?

How common are solar panels on new builds?

The current problem with solar panels on new builds

The growing support for solar panels on new builds

Are solar panels on new builds mandatory in Europe?

How much can new builds save with solar panels?

Looking ahead

Solar panels on new builds: FAQs

Do new builds require solar panels?

Should new builds have solar panels?

When will solar panels become mandatory for new builds?

Who owns solar panels on new builds?

Do solar panels increase home value?

Do solar panels invalidate NHBC?

Here are the current regulations surrounding solar panels on new builds, and whether we expect them to change any time soon.

Solar panels on new builds: what are the rules? [UK, 2025]

Solar panels on new builds: what are the rules?

⚖️ In-roof solar panels are lighter and sleeker than traditional panels

🌞 They work in exactly the same way as rooftop panels

📉 But they have a shorter warranty and are less efficient

Discover what in-roof solar panels are, how they differ from traditional solar panels, and whether they're worth installing

In-roof solar panels: are they worth it? UK, 2025]

In-roof solar panels: are they worth it?

Installation