The benefits of North Facing Solar Panels

Harnessing the Sun from a less common source

For many years now, a lot of solar installers have shied away from fitting solar panels to north facing roofs.  The argument is that they receive less daylight and therefore are not an optimal solution.

While this is technically true, there is a lot of untapped solar energy that your business can harness from a north facing roof and they should not be discounted simply because there are not facing in the optimal direction.

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, solar power stands as a beacon of hope, offering clean, renewable energy that can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. While solar panels are commonly associated with sunny, south-facing rooftops, the potential of north-facing installations is often overlooked. Recent advancements in solar technology and a deeper understanding of panel orientation have revealed the untapped potential of north-facing solar panels, along with the broader benefits of utilising every available roof space for solar energy generation.

As we have mentioned, traditionally, south-facing solar panels have been favoured due to their ability to capture the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. In the Northern Hemisphere, south-facing roofs receive the most direct sunlight, making them an obvious choice for solar installations. However, this doesn’t mean that north-facing roofs are unsuitable for solar panels. In fact, under certain conditions, north-facing installations can be just as effective, if not more so, than their south-facing counterparts. Especially in Scotland and England.  Remember – solar panels don’t need sunlight to generate solar electricity.  They need daylight! Something that is in no short supply, regardless of what direction your businesses roof faces.

One of the key advantages of north-facing solar panels is their ability to generate electricity more consistently throughout the day. While south-facing panels may experience peak production during midday when the sun is directly overhead, north-facing panels can still produce significant amounts of energy during the morning and afternoon when sunlight is less intense. This balanced energy production can help offset electricity usage during non-peak hours, making north-facing panels a valuable asset for businesses looking to benefit from as much free solar energy as possible.

Moreover, north-facing panels can be particularly beneficial in hot summer when electricity demand is high. By capturing sunlight during the cooler morning and late afternoon hours, north-facing panels can help reduce strain on the grid during peak times, thereby lowering energy costs and enhancing grid stability. Additionally, north-facing installations may experience less heat stress, which can prolong the lifespan of solar panels and improve overall energy efficiency for your business for years to come.

Another advantage of north-facing solar panels is their compatibility with roof designs that may not have south-facing options available. Many buildings feature complex roof structures with multiple orientations, making it challenging to optimise solar panel placement. In such cases, north-facing panels can provide a practical solution, allowing businesses to maximise their solar potential without compromising aesthetics or structural integrity.

Taking advantage of every inch of roof space for your solar installation

In addition to the benefits of north-facing installations, there is a broader advantage to utilising all available roof space for solar energy generation.

With the global push towards renewable energy and carbon neutrality, maximising solar potential on rooftops can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. By transforming idle rooftops into clean energy generators, businesses can take proactive steps towards building a more sustainable future.

While south-facing solar panels may seem like the obvious choice for maximising sunlight exposure, north-facing installations offer their own set of advantages that should not be overlooked. From consistent energy production throughout the day to enhanced grid stability and compatibility with diverse roof designs, north-facing panels have emerged as a viable option for expanding solar energy capacity. By embracing the potential of every available roof space, we can unlock new opportunities for clean, renewable energy and pave the way towards a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

And this is not just our thoughts on the matter.  We have installed a number of north facing solar installations for businesses in Scotland and England.  Some of them have  been as part of a complete installation and others have been part of a phased solar installation.  We can see the raw data that the solar panel systems are generating and we know first hand that north facing solar panel installations have real world benefits for your business.  So if you have been told by other solar pv installers that you shouldn’t have solar panels fitted to your north facing roof then get in touch.  We can talk you through the benefits of north facing solar panel installations, the process of what is involved and the financial benefits for your business by installing solar panels.

With a range of financial options to help fund your solar installation, there has never been a better time to take the next step towards a greener future for your business.