East or West Solar Panels: Birmingham 2025 Guide

So your roof doesn't face south. Does that mean solar panels won't work for your Birmingham home? Not even close. While it's true that south-facing panels produce the most energy in the UK, east and west orientations are far from second-rate options.

Quick take: East-facing solar panels generate most of their power in the morning, while west-facing panels peak in the afternoon and early evening. Both produce around 80–85% of what a south-facing system would, with only about 5% difference between them. The choice co2mes down to your energy usage patterns, roof layout, and electricity tariff.

Why Solar Panel Orientation Matters

Solar panels work by capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity, so the direction they face directly impacts how much energy they'll generate. In the UK, panels facing due south at an optimal tilt produce the most power because the sun's path sits predominantly to the south throughout the day.

An east or west solar panel typically generates around 80–85% as much energy as a similarly sized south-facing system. That's substantial. If a south-facing setup produces 3,800 kWh annually, you're looking at roughly 3,100–3,300 kWh from an east or west system of the same size. The real difference isn't just about total output, it's about when that energy gets produced. This timing element can actually make east or west orientations more valuable for certain Birmingham households, especially if your peak electricity use aligns with when these panels generate power.

East-Facing vs West-Facing Panels: What's the Difference?

The primary distinction between east solar panel and west solar panel setups is timing. East-facing panels capture morning sunlight, producing most of their electricity before midday. If you're running appliances during breakfast, working from home in the morning, or charging devices before heading out, an east-oriented array covers these loads beautifully.

West-facing panels perform best from midday through the afternoon and into early evening. This coincides with when many Birmingham families return home, cook dinner, and switch on lights and electronics.

In terms of total energy output over a year, the difference is surprisingly small. Real-world data showed a west-facing array generating only about 5% more energy annually than an east-facing array. Essentially negligible. The choice is really about matching your solar generation to your lifestyle and working with whatever roof constraints you've got.

How Much Energy Do East and West Panels Produce?

On a per-panel basis, an east or west-facing solar panel in the UK will generate roughly 15–20% less electricity than the same panel facing due south. An east-facing panel at a decent tilt can receive about 80–86% of the solar energy that a south-facing panel would capture, whilst a west-facing panel sits around 78–86%.

For a practical example: if you install a 4 kW south-facing system that produces around 3,800 kWh per year, a 4 kW west solar panel system might generate somewhere between 3,100–3,300 kWh under typical Birmingham conditions.

However, many Birmingham homes have roofs with both east and west faces. By installing panels on both sides, you can often compensate for the per-panel loss. More panels spread across east and west roofs often generate more total energy than fewer panels on a south roof. The increased panel count offsets the lower efficiency per panel. If you've got the space, a dual-orientation array can possibly equal or even exceed a south-only array simply because you're capturing sunlight from two directions across longer hours.

When Does East or West Make More Sense?

Should you opt for an east-facing or west-facing layout? The answer depends entirely on your circumstances:

Morning vs Evening Consumption: If your household's electricity demand is higher in the morning (lots of appliances running during breakfast, perhaps charging an electric vehicle), an east-facing array makes sense. Conversely, if your peak usage happens in the late afternoon or evening (cooking dinner, lights and TV on, running the dishwasher), west-facing panels align better. This increases how much of your solar power you actually use directly.

Time-of-Use Energy Rates: If you're on a tariff where prices spike during peak periods, orientation becomes even more important. Peak rates often occur in late afternoon and early evening. A west-facing system still generating power around 4–7pm can offset expensive peak electricity from the grid. For Birmingham residents with expensive evening rates, west orientation might deliver better financial returns.

Shading and Obstacles: Look at what might cast shadows on your roof throughout the day. If your west roof gets partially shaded in late afternoon but the east side enjoys clear morning sun, you'd likely see better performance from an east-facing array (and vice versa). Splitting panels across both sides can also help mitigate time-specific shade issues.

Roof Layout and Size: Many Birmingham homes feature an east-west oriented roof ridge with dual pitches. If that's your situation, you might not need to choose. Installing panels on both sides gives you a balanced generation profile. If you only have a single usable roof face, then your decision is made for you. Remember: an east or west system on its own is still highly effective, reaching around 80%+ of optimal yield.

Dual Orientation Arrays: East/West Systems on Flat Roofs

When you've got a flat roof, you can face solar panels in any direction using mounting frames. A popular approach is the east/west split array: panels are mounted back-to-back in an A-frame configuration, with half facing east and half west, usually at a low tilt of around 10°.

East-west flat roof systems offer distinct advantages:

Higher Total Yield: With an east-west layout, panels can be placed without gaps between rows, essentially covering the roof surface densely. This means you can fit considerably more panels on the roof. Research shows an east-west system can generate around 25–30% more annual solar energy than a south-facing system on the same size flat roof.

Smoother Power Curve: East-west arrays produce a broader, flatter generation curve. Instead of one sharp noontime peak, the output spreads out with more production in early morning and late afternoon. This means your solar power is available over a longer portion of the day, boosting self-consumption.

Reduced Ballast Requirements: East-west systems tend to be more aerodynamic and interlocked, with the two sides supporting each other. They can require less ballast weight to resist wind uplift, putting less load on your roof structure.

If you've got a flat garage or extension roof across Birmingham, an east-west mounting could let you add more panels than a traditional south-tilt setup whilst generating more energy overall. Pairing this with solar battery storage can further optimise your system's value.

How Your Location and Utility Rates Affect Orientation Choice

Geographic Location: Your specific location affects how much sun your panels receive. The relative difference between south versus east or west orientations holds fairly consistent across Birmingham. An east-facing system will produce around 80–85% of what a south-facing system would, whether you're in Edgbaston or Sutton Coldfield.

Think about local climate patterns. If mornings in your area are often sunny whilst afternoons get cloudy, an east orientation captures that reliable morning sun. In another part of Birmingham where late afternoons have clearer skies, west facing might be favoured.

Electricity Tariffs: The value of your solar energy depends on when you use or export it, especially under time-of-use tariffs. If you're on a tariff with expensive peak rates in late afternoon or early evening, a west-facing array becomes particularly attractive. It'll be generating power during those peak-priced hours.

Under the Smart Export Guarantee, energy companies pay you for each unit of solar electricity you export to the grid. The SEG payment doesn't depend on your orientation. However, you usually earn much less per kWh exporting than what it costs to buy electricity, so it's financially better to use your solar generation directly when possible. Whether you're in Erdington or Hall Green, orientation can help maximise self-consumption.

Government and Local Incentives

Installing solar panels in Birmingham has become more financially attractive thanks to government incentives:

0% VAT on Solar Installations: The UK government currently charges no VAT on residential solar panel installations and batteries from 2022 until at least March 2027. This applies regardless of your system's orientation, making solar panels around 5% cheaper than they used to be.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): The SEG programme ensures you get paid for any surplus solar energy you export to the grid. The SEG isn't tied to orientation. You qualify as long as you have a solar installation with an eligible meter and inverter, no matter which direction your panels face.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4): The ECO4 programme can fund solar panels (up to 100% of cost) for low-income households or those receiving certain benefits. These schemes are orientation-agnostic. If you qualify, it doesn't matter which way your roof faces.

Solar incentives in the UK don't depend on panel orientation. Having an east or west-facing roof doesn't disqualify you from any incentives, whether you're in Hodge Hill or Northfield.

Final Thoughts: Should You Choose East or West?

When it comes to east versus west for solar panel orientation, both are viable and highly effective across Birmingham. An east or west-facing solar array will typically generate around 80–85% of the energy of an equivalent south-facing array. The difference between the two orientations themselves is only around 5%.

The decision should come down to your personal situation: your roof's characteristics and your energy usage habits. If your roof and budget allow it, a mix of both east and west panels can give you the best of both worlds. If you only have one suitable roof face, don't be discouraged. An east-facing system will still cut your electricity bills considerably, and a west-facing system will do the same.

Many Birmingham homeowners with non-south roofs are happily generating thousands of kilowatt-hours a year. According to solar users, don't be put off from going solar just because your roof faces east or west.

The best panel orientation is the one that makes the most of your available sunshine and suits your energy needs. A well-designed system will ensure you reap the benefits of solar power regardless of which direction your roof faces. Regular solar maintenance and repair will keep your system performing optimally. From Ladywood to Perry Barr, Selly Oak to Yardley, solar works.

If you're ready to explore what solar can do for your Birmingham home, learn more about us or get in touch to discuss your specific situation.

Solar Panel Orientation FAQs

Do solar panels need to face south to work effectively?

No. South-facing is optimal, but panels facing east or west can still produce plenty of electricity in Birmingham. East and west-facing panels will typically yield around 80%+ of the energy of a south-facing array. An east roof might only produce around 15% less energy than the same system facing south. Don't write off solar just because you lack a south-facing roof.

Which is better, east-facing or west-facing solar panels?

Neither orientation is dramatically better overall. West-facing panels may generate slightly more total energy over a year (about 5% more), but this margin is small. The main difference is timing: east-facing panels produce more in the morning, whilst west-facing panels produce more in the afternoon and early evening. "Better" depends on your usage patterns and electricity rates.

What if my roof faces north? Can I still install solar panels?

Yes, though the output will be lower. Panels facing true north in the UK might produce only around 50–60% as much energy as south-facing panels. That's a significant drop, so if you have any east or west roof sections, those would be preferable. If north is the only option, the system can still work, but expect roughly half the output of a south-facing system.

Can I put solar panels on both the east and west sides of my roof?

Absolutely. If you have a pitched roof with one face east and the other west, you can split your solar array between the two sides. You'll capture sunlight for more hours of the day, effectively extending your solar production from early morning through late afternoon. An east-west split system will have a balanced generation curve and can often yield higher total output than putting all panels on one side alone.

Does the orientation of panels affect my payments or incentives?

No. Orientation has no effect on your eligibility for incentives or the rates paid. The Smart Export Guarantee will pay you for each unit of electricity you export, regardless of which direction your panels face. Similarly, the 0% VAT incentive and any grants don't depend on orientation. Choosing east or west won't lose you any available incentives.

Do I need more panels if they're east or west-facing?

Since east and west-facing panels produce slightly less than south-facing, you might consider adding an extra panel or two if you have the roof space. An east or west panel might be around 15% less productive than a south panel. Many people install a few more panels across the east and west sides to compensate. Panel prices have come down, and adding a couple more panels isn't hugely expensive relative to the benefit of extra generation.