Which direction is best?
In the UK, a south-facing roof at 30–40° pitch generates the maximum annual output. But that's the ideal — and most homes aren't ideal. Here's how different orientations compare:
| Roof direction | % of maximum output | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| South | 100% | Optimal |
| South-east / South-west | 95% | Excellent |
| East or West | 80–85% | Good |
| North-east / North-west | 55–65% | Marginal |
| North | 50–55% | Not recommended |
East/west splits are increasingly popular — you get morning sun on one side and afternoon sun on the other, spreading generation across the day. This actually increases self-consumption compared to a south-facing system that peaks at midday when nobody's home.
Roof angle matters too
The optimal tilt angle in Leeds (latitude 53.8°N) is 35°. But the difference between 20° and 50° is only about 5% in annual output. Most UK pitched roofs fall in the 25–45° range — all perfectly suitable.
Flat roofs use angled mounting frames (typically set at 15–20°) to improve performance. This adds £300–£500 to installation cost but recovers 15–20% more generation compared to panels laid flat.
Shading: the real killer
Orientation matters less than shading. A south-facing roof with a large tree casting shadow from 10am to 2pm will underperform an east-facing unshaded roof.
What to check:
- Trees. Especially deciduous trees that grow new branches. Think about how tall they'll be in 10 years.
- Neighbouring buildings. Chimneys, extensions, and taller neighbouring roofs can cast shadows.
- Satellite dishes and TV aerials. Small shadows but they affect the panel directly beneath. Can usually be relocated.
Modern panels with optimisers or microinverters handle partial shading much better than older string inverter systems. If shading is unavoidable, ask your installer about microinverter options. See how many panels you need to compensate.
Leeds-specific considerations
Leeds sits at 53.8°N latitude. The sun angle varies from 10° in December to 60° in June. South-facing roofs capture the most low-angle winter sun, which is when you need electricity most.
Many terraced houses in Leeds have single-aspect roofs facing east or west. An east/west dual-aspect setup on a semi or detached house is actually a smart choice for self-consumption patterns.
Get a free roof assessment from Leeds installers — they'll use satellite imagery and shading analysis software to predict your exact generation potential.