Solar Panel Brackets: Top Choices for 2026

Understanding Solar Panel Mounting Bracket Systems: Your Guide to Mounting Kits

Choosing to install solar panels is a significant step towards energy independence and a smaller carbon footprint. While the panels themselves get most of the attention, the solar panel mounting brackets that secure them to your roof are just as crucial. The right mounting system ensures your investment is safe, secure, and performs optimally for decades.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about solar panel brackets and mounting kits. We will explore the different types available, how to assess your roof’s suitability, and why professional installation is highly recommended. We’ll also discuss options for various roof tiles and review specific products to help you understand your options.

Types of Solar Panel Mounting Bracket Systems

Solar panel mounting brackets are the foundation of your entire solar array. They anchor the panels, withstand wind and weather, and position the panels for maximum sun exposure. There are several core designs, each suited to different roof types and structural requirements.

Penetrating Solar Panel Brackets

Penetrating solar bracket systems use mechanical fixings to connect the bracket to the supporting roof structure. This is the most common form of practice for domestic properties and commercial roofs with metal cladding in the UK. Brackets and fixings are selected based on the roof covering type and construction. For domestic properties the brackets are fixed into the structural supporting timber rafters, providing security from wind loadings. For metal clad roofs, brackets are fixed directly into the cladding profile. Other penetrating fixing systems are available for flat roofs, with in-roof solar pv systems adopting similar fixing methods. A penetrating method provides an incredibly strong and secure connection. Making it ideal for areas with high winds or heavy snowfall.

  • Best for: Pitched roofs made of tile and slate,
  • Pros: Very secure, cost-effective, widely available.
  • Cons: Requires drilling into the roof, which must be done perfectly to avoid leaks.

Ballasted Solar Panel Brackets

For flat roofs where drilling isn’t desirable or possible, ballasted mount systems are an excellent solution. Instead of mechanical fixing, these systems use heavy weights—typically concrete blocks—to hold the solar panel array in place. The entire system sits on the roof surface without any penetrations.

The design relies on simple physics: the weight of the ballast counteracts forces like wind uplift. Solar engineers calculate the precise amount of weight needed based on the building’s height, location, and local weather patterns.

  • Best for: Large, flat commercial roofs; residential flat roofs with sufficient structural strength.
  • Pros: No roof penetrations, faster installation, easily removable.
  • Cons: Adds significant weight to the roof, requires a structural assessment.

Hybrid Mount Systems

Hybrid solar panel mounting systems combine elements of both penetrating and ballasted mounts. Installers often use them on low-slope roofs where a ballasted system alone might lack sufficient stability, but the owner wants to minimise penetrations

A hybrid system might use a few strategic roof attachments for security while relying on ballast for the majority of the support. This approach reduces the number of holes in the roof membrane while ensuring the array is firmly anchored.

  • Best for: Low-slope roofs, roofs with limited load-bearing capacity for a full ballasted system.
  • Pros: Fewer roof penetrations than traditional mounts, more secure than a pure ballasted system.
  • Cons: More complex design and installation.

Bespoke Solar Panel Brackets

Sometimes, a standard system simply won’t suffice. In such cases, engineers create bespoke or custom-designed solar panel mounting brackets for unique situations. For example, they design these solutions for oddly shaped roofs, listed buildings with strict aesthetic requirements, or ground-mounted arrays on uneven terrain. Additionally, they engineer these brackets from the ground up to address specific challenges.

  • Best for: Non-standard roofs, architectural challenges, ground mounts on difficult terrain.
  • Pros: Perfectly tailored to the specific project requirements.
  • Cons: Significantly more expensive, longer design and manufacturing time.
Bespoke solar panel brackets and solar panel mount undertaken by e-verve energy in Crewe 2025.
Roof prep by E-Verve Energy for bespoke solar panel brackets

Domestic Roofing Material

Ensuring the correct bracket is selected for the roof tile type is crucial. The profile, shape and size of the brackets do differ for concrete, rosemary and slate tiles. The depth of the bracket should be sufficient enough to sit above the row of tiles below the bracket line.

Roof tiles which cover and seal over the the bracket may require notching or grinding. This will ensure the bracket does not raise the profile of the tile. Thus allowing it to sit flush and prevent water ingress.

To ensure compliance with industry standards, installers should approve solar panel brackets listed on the MCS database.

Solar Panel Brackets: Pitched Roof with Concrete / Clay tiles

Most UK homes feature a pitched timber structure with a tile covering as the most common roof type. Installers typically use solar panel brackets mechanically fixed with screws into the roof structure for pitched roofs. To ensure correct location of brackets the timber rafters are exposed by removing roof tiles locally around the required fixing zones. Once the rafters are located the remaining brackets can be set out to suit the rafter centres ensuring the correct quantity of brackets are installed for the required Solar Panel layout and capacity.

Solar panel brackets for concrete roof rosemary solar panel mounting brackets. Nicholson solar panel brackets installed by e-verve energy
rosemary solar panel mounting brackets Nicholson solar panel brackets installed by e-verve energy

Solar Panel Brackets: Pitched Roof with Rosemary Clay Tiles

For rosemary clay tiles the solar panel bracket profile used differs from those on concrete roof types. This is as the clay tile depth is typically thinner than concrete tiles. Brackets are mechanically fixed into the rafter at the required centres for the Solar Panel layout and capacity. For rosemary clay tiles it is common to replace the tile which sits below the bracket with a flexible rubber replacement to avoid cracking of tiles posed due to downward loads. These are typically known as Hookstop are are manufactured by Hookstop, Clenergy, Deks and SolarDek.

Solar Panel Brackets: Pitched Roof with Slate Tiles

For slate roofs, installers use a different fixing method since accessing the rafters is more challenging due to the overlapping slate required for weatherproofing. To reach the rafter, they notch out part of the slate, creating a window for access. After cutting the slate, they waterproof the area around the solar panel bracket. Typically, they use a Genius roof hook system, which provides a weatherproof barrier around the bracket while maintaining a secure mechanical fixing to the rafter below

slate solar panel brackets installed by e-verve energy Nicholson solar panel brackets installed by e-verve energy

Pre-Installation Checks: Is Your Roof Ready?

Before any solar panel brackets are installed, a thorough assessment of your roof is essential. A professional installer will conduct several key checks:

  1. Structural Integrity: An engineer or qualified surveyor must confirm that your roof can handle the added weight of the panels and the mounting system. This is especially critical for ballasted systems. They will inspect the rafters, trusses, and overall roof condition.
  2. Roof Condition: The installer will check the age and condition of your roof covering. It makes little sense to install a 30-year solar system on a roof that needs replacing in five years. Any necessary repairs should be completed before the solar installation begins.
  3. Shading Analysis:The installer will evaluate potential shading from trees, chimneys, or neighboring buildings. Since shading can significantly reduce your system’s output, they may adjust the mounting plan to minimise its impact.
  4. Space and Orientation: The available roof space will determine how many panels you can fit. For optimal performance in the UK, a south-facing roof is ideal, but east-west systems can also be highly effective.

The Importance of Professional Installation and MCS Certification

Installing solar panel mounting brackets is not a simple DIY job. It requires expertise in roofing, structural engineering, and electrical work. In the UK, it is highly recommended to use an installer certified by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).

MCS operates as a quality assurance scheme. Ensuring that installers carry out solar installations to the highest standards while using approved products. Using an MCS-certified installer is often a requirement to qualify for government incentives or export tariffs like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

A professional, MCS-certified installer will:

  • Ensure the installation complies with all UK building regulations.
  • Properly seal all roof penetrations to guarantee they are watertight.
  • Calculate wind and snow loads correctly to ensure the array is secure.
  • Handle all electrical wiring safely and to regulatory standards.
  • Provide the necessary certification for your records and for selling excess energy back to the grid.

Review of Leading Solar Panel Mounting Bracket Manufacturers

Now that we’ve covered bracket types, roofing materials, and installation, which manufacturer brand should you go with? Several manufacturers specialise in high-quality solar panel mounting brackets. Let’s look at three popular options available in the UK market.

Solar Panel Brackets: Nicholson Rooftrak IFP

A fixing point system developed specifically around the challenge of providing a connection to the building structure whilst maintaining 100% integrity of the weathering membrane. Used for solar, balustrade and timber cladding.

Nicholson designed the Rooftrak integrated fixed point system to provide a secure attachment for waterproof layers found on non tiled roofs. Such as Single ply (eg PVC, TPO, EPDM), Bitumen felt, liquid applied and metal roof structures. The solution enables Nicholson roof fixing points to integrate with Solar Panel mounting systems. Ensuring long-term integrity around fixing penetration points.

Nicholson Rooftrak IFP

Pro’s: Eliminates leaks at fixing interfaces maintaining integrity of weatherproofing. Can be adapted for multiple solar panel mounting systems.

Con’s: Can cause conflict with existing roof warranties if retro fitted by third party installer after the roof has been weatherproofed.

Pricing: More expensive than standard tile solar panel bracket systems. Additional labour time required to ensure compliant installation.

Best For: This system works best for pitched flat roofs over 5 degrees or as a hybrid system fixing point system when coupled together with ballasted soalr panels to reduce weight on roof structure.

Solar Panel Brackets: Schletter Pro Line

Schletter is is a well-respected German manufacturer of solar panel brackets, and their Proline system offers solutions for commercial and residential pitched, flat and seamed metal roofs. Manufactured with ease of installation and installation compliance at the forefront .

Schletter Pro Line

Pro’s: Capable of supporting heavy load with flexible configurations to ensure adequate roof clearances and angles are achieved.

Con’s: Not as readily available with only approved stockist supplying in the UK.

Pricing: Premium, reflecting its advanced engineering and durability

Best For: Warranties – An industry leading 25 year warranty is provided for mounting systems designed on the the Schletter system.

Solar Panel Brackets: Genius Roof Solutions

Genius roof solutions provide methods for sealing solar panel brackets to slate roof. Although more of an accessory as opposed to a fixing bracket, this kit ensures that solar panel brackets can be mechanically fixed to slate roof coverings.

The genius hood design which covers the solar panel bracket, allows the slate to remain uncompromised, maintaining a solid mechanical connection between the solar panel bracket and structural roof timber.

Genius Roof Solutions

Pro’s: Ensures robust mechanical fix and weatherproofing of solar panel brackets on slate roofs. Various options for both new-build and retro-fit applications.

Con’s: Doesn’t fit all slate headlaps with maximum 100mm so need to undertake roof survey beforehand.

Pricing: Low as an independent item however an additional component added to each solar panel bracket with greater installation times.

Best For: Retrofit slate roof solar panel installation

genius roof solutions solar panel brackets installed by e-verve energy #solarpanelbrackets #solarpanelmountingbrackets

Solar Panel Brackets: Conclusion

The solar panel brackets holding your system in place are a critical component of a safe and productive solar installation. From traditional penetrating mounts for pitched roofs to innovative ballasted and hybrid systems for flat and complex roofs, there is a solution for nearly every building.

Understanding the differences between systems and conducting thorough pre-installation checks are the first steps. However, the most important decision you can make is to hire a qualified, MCS-certified professional. They will ensure the right solar panel mounting brackets are selected for your roof, installed correctly, and compliant with all UK standards—giving you peace of mind and clean energy for years to come.

How Can E-Verve Energy Help?

At E-Verve Energy, we are committed to making your transition to solar simple, seamless, and fully compliant with UK standards. Our knowledgeable team has extensive experience with solar panel mounting brackets and works with all major system types, from penetrating to ballasted, hybrid, and bespoke solutions.

We will guide you in selecting the ideal mounting system for your unique roof configuration—always prioritising safety, efficiency, and durability. Our process begins with a comprehensive roof assessment and pre-installation checks to ensure structural suitability, maximise energy output, and prevent costly issues down the line.

Every installation is carried out by our certified professionals who strictly adhere to the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and all relevant UK regulations. This not only gives you peace of mind but also secures your eligibility for government incentives like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

From the first consultation through installation and aftercare, E-Verve Energy delivers expert advice, high-quality workmanship, and ongoing support—helping you make the most of your investment!

Whether you’re a homeowner or running a commercial property, we provide trusted advice and a personalised experience. Helping you harness reliable solar power, reduce energy bills and increase green credentials.

Reach out to E-Verve Energy- The Most Trusted Renewable Energy Installer of 2024! today to discover how we can help you get the most out of your solar panels!

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When you invest in a solar panel system, you want to be confident it can withstand the elements. For homeowners in areas prone to strong winds, the choice of mounting hardware is not just a detail—it’s a critical decision for the safety, longevity, and performance of your system. So, which solar panel brackets are best for high-wind areas? The answer often lies in securing the system directly to your roof’s structure.

Why Penetrating Mounts are the Top Choice for Windy Conditions

Homeowners and installers widely regard penetrating mounts as the most secure and reliable option for regions experiencing high winds. As the name suggests, these solar panel mounting brackets require drilling through your roofing material and anchoring the solar racking system directly to the structural rafters or trusses of your building. This direct connection creates an incredibly strong, integrated system that is far less susceptible to wind uplift than other mounting methods.

While the idea of drilling holes in your roof might sound concerning, when done by certified professionals, it is a safe and standard procedure. Installers use specialised flashing and sealants to ensure every penetration point is completely waterproof, protecting the integrity of your roof for years to come.

Pros of Penetrating Mounts

  • Unmatched Strength and Security: By fastening directly to the roof’s framework, penetrating mounts offer the highest resistance to wind uplift. This makes them the gold standard for areas subject to storms, gales, or consistently high winds. The wind load transfers from the panels, through the racking, and into the building’s core structure, ensuring maximum stability.
  • Versatility: This mounting method is suitable for nearly all pitched roof types, including asphalt shingles, tiles, and metal. This flexibility makes it a go-to solution for the majority of residential solar installations.
  • Cost-Effective: Compared to more complex non-penetrating or hybrid systems, penetrating mounts are often more affordable due to simpler components and established installation practices.

Cons of Penetrating Mounts

  • Potential for Leaks (If Improperly Installed): This method primarily raises concerns about the risk of water intrusion. However, a qualified and experienced professional virtually eliminates this risk by using high-quality, industry-approved sealing techniques.
  • Not Suitable for All Roofs: Penetrating solar panel mounting brackets are not an option for certain roofing systems, such as some membrane or green roofs, where creating holes is not feasible. Installers also avoid using them on most flat roofs, where ballasted systems are more common.

Product Spotlight: Nicholson Rooftrak for Superior Performance

When it comes to selecting a specific penetrating mount system, quality and engineering make all the difference. We highly recommend Nicholson Rooftrak, a UK-based manufacturer known for producing robust and reliable mounting solutions specifically designed to handle challenging weather conditions.

So, why is Nicholson Rooftrak an excellent choice for high-wind areas?

  1. Robust Engineering: Rooftrak systems deliver exceptional strength through their design. Engineers use high-grade materials tested to withstand significant wind loads. They design the components to form a rigid and durable framework that securely holds your panels in place, even during extreme weather events.”
  2. Compliance and Certification: Nicholson Rooftrak products meet and exceed industry standards, including MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) requirements. This certification is a testament to their quality, safety, and performance, ensuring your installation is compliant and eligible for programs like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
  3. Specialized Design for UK Weather: As a UK-based manufacturer of solar panel mounting brackets, Nicholson understands the specific challenges of the local climate, including frequent high winds and driving rain. They design their products with this in mind, incorporating features that ensure both durability and excellent weatherproofing.

Conclusion

Living in a high-wind area doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of solar energy. It simply means you need to pay closer attention to the foundation of your system: the mounting brackets.

Penetrating solar panel mounting brackets offer the unparalleled strength and stability needed to protect your solar panels from wind uplift. By physically bolting the system to your home’s rafters, you create a secure connection that can handle significant force. When paired with a high-quality product like Nicholson Rooftrak and installed by certified professionals, you can have complete peace of mind. Choosing the right mounting system ensures your solar array remains safe, secure, and efficiently generating power for decades, regardless of the weather.

Not all roofs are simple, uniform surfaces. Many homes feature intricate designs with multiple angles, dormers, skylights, and varying pitches. While these architectural features add character, they can present a challenge for standard solar panel mounting brackets. If your roof is more complex than a simple rectangle, you might wonder which solar panel brackets are best. For these unique layouts, the answer lies in specialised solutions like hybrid and custom mounting systems.

Tackling Complexity with Hybrid and Custom Mounts

Standard solar installations often rely on uniform mounting systems, like penetrating or ballasted mounts. However, a complex roof might require a more creative approach. This is where hybrid and custom-designed mounting solutions shine. Engineers design them to adapt to irregularities, thereby making solar possible on almost any roof structure.

Hybrid solar panel mounting brackets combine different types of solar panel brackets or mounting hardware to address various sections of a single roof. For example, a home might have a steep main roof perfect for penetrating mounts, but also a low-slope or flat section over a garage where a ballasted or non-penetrating system is more suitable. A hybrid approach allows installers to use the best method for each specific surface, creating a single, cohesive solar array.

Custom/bespoke solar panel mounting brackets provide a solution designed from the ground up for a truly unique situation. This could involve fabricating specific components to navigate around obstacles, match unusual roof angles, or integrate panels directly into the building’s structure.

Pros of Hybrid and Custom Mounts

  • Unmatched Flexibility: The primary benefit is adaptability. These systems can be tailored to fit around skylights, vents, chimneys, and multiple roof planes. This ensures you can maximise the available space for solar panels, leading to a larger system and greater energy production.
  • Optimised Panel Placement: A custom approach allows each panel to be positioned for optimal sun exposure. Installers can adjust the tilt and orientation on different parts of the roof to capture the most sunlight throughout the day, significantly boosting the system’s overall efficiency.
  • Structural Integrity: Complex roofs require more than a one-size-fits-all approach to avoid placing undue stress on certain areas. Engineers design custom and hybrid systems with the roof’s specific structural load points in mind, ensuring they distribute the weight safely and appropriately. This approach protects both your solar investment and the integrity of your home.
  • Aesthetic Integration: Custom solutions often deliver a cleaner, more integrated look. Designers can create racking that follows the unique lines of your roof, allowing the solar array to complement your home’s architecture rather than detract from it.

Cons of Hybrid and Custom Mounts

  • Higher Cost: The biggest drawback is cost. Designing a custom solution and using a mix of specialised components requires more planning, engineering, and labor than a standard installation. The materials themselves can also be more expensive.
  • Longer Installation Time: Because these projects are not standard, they take more time to plan and execute. The design process requires precise measurements and engineering calculations. The installation itself can be more intricate, involving multiple techniques and careful coordination.
  • Requires Specialised Expertise: Not every solar installer is equipped to handle complex custom projects. These installations require a high level of experience, technical skill, and problem-solving ability. It is crucial to choose a certified installer with a proven track record of successfully completing custom solar projects like E-Verve Energy.

When Are Hybrid or Custom Mounts Necessary?

You may need to consider a non-standard mounting solution if your roof has any of the following features:

  • Multiple Pitches and Angles: Homes with gambrel, mansard, or combination roof styles.
  • Numerous Obstructions: Roofs crowded with skylights, vents, satellite dishes, or dormer windows.
  • Mixed Materials: A roof that combines different surfaces, such as shingles on one section and a metal seam on another.
  • Unusual Structural Design: Buildings with unique architectural designs where standard racking will not suffice.
  • Flat and Pitched Sections: Properties with both flat and pitched roof areas that you want to utilise for a single solar array.

By working with an experienced solar design team, you can get a comprehensive assessment of your roof and a detailed proposal for a hybrid or custom system that meets your energy goals.

Conclusion

A complex roof layout should not be a barrier to generating your own clean energy. With the flexibility of hybrid and custom mounting systems, it is possible to design a safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solar array for even the most challenging architectural designs. While these solutions require a greater initial investment and specialised expertise, the payoff is a system that maximises your roof’s solar potential.

Choosing the right solar panel brackets is fundamental to your solar project’s success. For complex roofs, investing in a tailored solution ensures your panels are secure, productive, and perfectly integrated with your home for decades to come.

Installing solar panels on a flat roof presents a unique challenge: how do you secure the system for decades without compromising the waterproof membrane that protects your building? Drilling holes is often not an option, as it can create potential leak points and void the roof’s warranty. For property owners with flat roofs, the primary concern is preserving this protective layer. So, which solar panel brackets are best for the job? The answer lies in a non-penetrating solution known as a ballasted Solar Panel Brackets.

The Power of Ballasted Solar Panel Brackets

Ballasted mounting systems are an ingenious engineering solution designed specifically for flat or low-slope roofs. These systems rest on top of the membrane instead of being bolted to the roof structure, thereby preserving its integrity.. They use weight—typically concrete blocks or specially designed pavers—to hold the entire solar array firmly in place. Engineers calculate the weight to counteract wind uplift and other environmental forces, thus ensuring the system remains stable without a single penetration.

This approach makes ballasted solar panel brackets the ideal choice for protecting sensitive roofing materials like TPO, PVC, EPDM, and other membranes common on commercial and residential flat roofs.

Pros of Ballasted Mounts

  • Preserves Roof Integrity: The most significant advantage is the elimination of roof penetrations. This means there is no risk of leaks caused by the installation, and your roof’s warranty remains intact.
  • Faster and Simpler Installation: Without the need for drilling and sealing hundreds of holes, the installation process is often faster and less labor-intensive than with penetrating mounts. This can lead to lower installation costs.
  • Adjustable and Non-Permanent: Since the system is not permanently fixed to the building, it can be adjusted or even moved if necessary. This provides a degree of flexibility not available with other mounting types.

Cons of Ballasted Mounts

  • Structural Load Requirements: The primary drawback is the significant weight. The roof must be structurally capable of supporting the combined weight of the solar panels, the racking, and the heavy ballast blocks. A thorough structural analysis by a qualified engineer is a mandatory first step.
  • Limited by Roof Pitch: Ballasted systems are only suitable for flat or very low-slope roofs, typically those with a pitch of 5 degrees or less.
  • Requires More Space: These systems often have a larger footprint and may require specific inter-row spacing to manage wind loads, potentially reducing the number of panels that can fit in a given area compared to a fixed-tilt system.

Product Spotlight: Top-Tier Ballasted Solar Panel Brackets

When choosing a ballasted system, the design and engineering are crucial for long-term performance and safety. Two industry-leading products that we recommend are from Van Der Valk and Esdec, each offering unique advantages.

Van Der Valk ValkPro+ (East/West Orientation)

The ValkPro+ system from Van Der Valk is a versatile and popular choice for flat roofs. One of its standout configurations is the East/West orientation. Instead of having all panels face south, this setup places them back-to-back in a tent-like structure, with half facing east and the other half facing west.

Why it’s a great choice:

  • Balanced Energy Production: An East/West orientation produces a more consistent energy curve throughout the day. It generates power earlier in the morning (from the east-facing panels) and later in the afternoon (from the west-facing panels). This can be highly beneficial for properties with consistent daytime energy consumption.
  • Improved Aerodynamics: The dual-sided, low-profile design is inherently more aerodynamic. This design reduces wind uplift, which means that less ballast weight is required compared to a south-facing system of the same size. A lighter system reduces the overall load on the roof structure.
  • Greater Roof Coverage: Since the design requires less ballast and arranges the modules compactly, you can often fit more panels onto the roof, thereby maximizing the power output for the available space.

Esdec FlatFix Fusion (Portrait Orientation)

Another top-tier manufacturer, Esdec, offers the FlatFix Fusion system, a modular solution celebrated for its installation speed and flexibility. Additionally, the system lets installers place panels in either landscape or portrait orientation, and the portrait option offers distinct benefits.

Why it’s a great choice:

  • Ultimate Modularity: The FlatFix Fusion system is built with a unique “click-fit” assembly. Its components are interconnected, creating a single, solid solar array. This unified structure helps distribute weight and forces evenly across the roof.
  • Optimized for Portrait Layout: Arranging panels in a portrait (vertical) orientation can be ideal for navigating around rooftop obstacles or fitting within narrow sections of a roof. This flexibility allows installers to create a custom layout that makes the most of the available space.
  • Integrated Cable Management: The system includes built-in cable management features, which protect wiring from the elements and create a cleaner, safer installation. The elevated design also ensures proper airflow, which helps keep the panels cool and operating efficiently.

Conclusion

For buildings with flat roof membranes, protecting your asset is just as important as generating clean energy. Ballasted solar panel brackets provide the perfect solution, offering a secure foundation for your solar array without the need for a single hole in your roof. This non-penetrating method eliminates the risk of leaks and preserves your roof’s warranty, giving you complete peace of mind.

By choosing a high-quality, engineered system like the Van Der Valk ValkPro+ for balanced energy production or the Esdec FlatFix Fusion for its modular flexibility, you can ensure your installation is safe, efficient, and built to last. A professional structural assessment followed by a well-designed ballasted system is the key to successfully harnessing solar power while keeping your roof membrane in pristine condition.

When you decide to invest in solar panels, one of the most critical factors influencing their performance is their orientation. Getting the angle and direction right can significantly boost the amount of electricity you generate. A common question we hear is, “What is the best angle for solar panels to face in the UK?” The answer involves understanding your roof type, environment and the specific goals of your solar installation.

The Ideal Direction: South-Facing is King but East / West is great also.

Let’s start with the simplest part of the equation: direction. For any location in the Northern Hemisphere, including the entire United Kingdom, the optimal direction for solar panels to face is south. This is because the sun travels across the southern part of the sky. By facing your panels directly south, you expose them to the maximum amount of direct sunlight throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset.

While a perfectly south-facing roof is the gold standard, it’s not a deal-breaker if your roof faces southeast or southwest. A deviation of up to 45 degrees from due south will only result in a minor drop in overall annual generation, typically less than 10-15%. Even east or west-facing roofs can be viable for solar, especially with systems designed to capture morning and afternoon sun effectively.

Finding the Perfect Tilt: The 35-Degree Sweet Spot

The second piece of the puzzle is the tilt angle. This refers to how much the panels are angled towards the sun relative to a flat horizontal surface. The ideal tilt angle depends on your geographic latitude. A general rule of thumb is that for optimal year-round performance, the tilt angle should be roughly equal to your latitude.

The UK’s latitude ranges from about 50°N in the south of England to 60°N in the Shetland Islands. Therefore, you might assume the ideal angle is somewhere between 50 and 60 degrees. However, we also need to account for the sun’s different paths in summer and winter.

For most of the UK, a fixed tilt angle of around 35 to 40 degrees is considered the optimal sweet spot for maximising total annual energy generation.

Conclusion

In the UK, the recipe for success is simple: point your panels as close to south as possible, with a fixed tilt angle of around 35-40 degrees. This setup provides the best year-round average, capturing ample energy during the long days of summer while still performing effectively in the low light of winter.