Wall Mounted Solar Panels: Are They Right For You?
Wall Mounted Solar Panels: A Complete Guide
Most people picture solar panels sitting neatly on a slanted roof however, wall mounted solar panels are a great choice if you don’t have suitable roof space or have already made the most of the space available. Vertical solar panels offer a creative alternative that transforms additional spaces of your home into energy-generating assets.
Whilst roof mounted panels are the classic image of renewable energy- what if your roof isn’t suitable? Maybe it faces the wrong way, is shaded by trees, or simply doesn’t have enough space. If you are looking to lower your energy bills but lack the perfect roof, mounting panels on your wall might be the solution you’ve been searching for.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wall mounted solar panels, from installation and costs to performance comparisons with traditional roof systems.
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Features 1013023_542daa-cc> |
Pros 1013023_473323-7b> |
Cons 1013023_bfde30-40> |
|---|---|---|
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Efficiency 1013023_7f51f5-5f> |
Performs better in Winter which gives more consistent generation year round 1013023_f8880e-03> |
Will preform at around 20%-30% lower in Summer* 1013023_a13608-9c> |
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Aesthetics 1013023_94ca3b-ca> |
Can look modern and sleek; hides panels from street view if on rear walls. 1013023_2ba7be-da> |
Highly visible; can alter the look of the home significantly. 1013023_881d42-f3> |
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Maintenance 1013023_ca8702-27> |
Easier access for cleaning and repairs, risk of debris build up and bird nesting very low 1013023_45353a-1a> |
Can be more susceptible to accidental damage near ground level. 1013023_153b6a-25> |
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Seasonal Output 1013023_1a03be-4a> |
Captures low winter sun better than roof panels; snow slides off instantly* 1013023_7be595-d0> |
Lower efficiency during high summer sun (sun is overhead)* 1013023_2a22e8-93> |
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Space 1013023_a5cf50-f2> |
Utilises unused vertical space; good for homes with small roofs 1013023_380421-f0> |
Requires a large, unshaded wall area free from windows/doors. 1013023_f06c1d-cb> |
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Cost 1013023_eb7df1-57> |
Key component costs equal to roof mounted although wall mounts may be more expensive 1013023_5a1587-30> |
Installation can be 10-20% higher depending on complexities and additional scaffolding 1013023_7757de-f2> |
*When comparing a a vertical wall facing south with an optimally pitched roof system
What Are Wall Mounted Solar Panels?
Wall mounted solar panels are exactly what they sound like: photovoltaic (PV) modules installed vertically on the exterior walls of a building rather than on the roof. They function on the same principles as roof-mounted systems, converting sunlight into electricity to power your home.
The primary difference lies in the orientation and angle. While roof panels are typically angled between 30 and 40 degrees to catch the midday sun, wall mounted solar panels are installed at a 90-degree angle. This setup can be particularly useful for buildings with flat roofs, insufficient roof space, or roofs that are structurally compromised.
Can Solar Panels Be Wall Mounted in the UK?
Yes, solar panels can absolutely be wall mounted in the UK. While less common than roof installations, they are a viable and legal option for generating renewable energy.
The UK’s latitude means the sun is often lower in the sky, especially during winter. Surprisingly, wall mounted solar panels can capture this low-angle winter sun quite effectively. They are also less prone to snow accumulation, which can block roof panels during the colder months.
Do You Need Planning Permission for Wall Mounted Solar Panels in the UK?
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is about regulations. Generally, the installation of solar panels on residential land is considered ‘Permitted Development,’ meaning you often do not need to apply for planning permission. However, there are stricter rules for wall mounted solar panels compared to roof systems.
For your installation to fall under Permitted Development, it must usually meet these criteria:
- The panels must not protrude more than 200mm from the wall surface.
- If your property is in a Conservation Area or a World Heritage Site, panels cannot be installed on a wall that faces a highway.
If your building is listed, you will almost certainly need Listed Building Consent. It is always wise to check with your Local Planning Authority (LPA) before starting any work to ensure your wall mounted solar panels comply with local rules.
Costs of Wall Mounted Solar Panels
When budgeting for renewable energy, cost is a major factor. The hardware for wall mounted solar panels—the panels themselves and the inverter—costs roughly the same as a roof-mounted system.
However, the installation costs can differ.
- Scaffolding: Vertical installations often require more complex scaffolding setups than standard roof jobs.
- Mounting Systems: Specialised vertical mounting frames can sometimes be more expensive than standard roof hooks and rails.
Generally, you can expect the total cost to be slightly higher or comparable to a roof system, depending on the complexity of your wall surface. While a standard 4kW roof system might cost between £6,000 and £8,000, a similar wall mounted system could push towards the higher end of that bracket or slightly above due to the labor involved.
Pros and Cons of Wall Mounted Solar Panels
Deciding to install solar on your walls involves weighing the benefits against the drawbacks. Here is a breakdown to help you decide.

How Are Wall Mounted Solar Panels Installed?
Installing wall mounted solar panels requires careful planning to ensure safety and efficiency.
Before drilling begins, a structural survey is essential. Walls must be strong enough to support the weight of the panels and withstand wind loads. Installers will check for:
- Wall material (brick, stone, cladding).
- Presence of electrical wiring or plumbing within the walls.
- Shading factors like trees, fences, or neighboring buildings.
Standard roof rails usually aren’t sufficient. Installers use specialised façade mounting systems. These brackets are designed to anchor deep into the masonry to handle the “pull-out” force generated by wind hitting the flat surface of the panel.
For the UK, the ideal direction for wall mounted solar panels is facing South. Since you cannot easily tilt the panels away from the wall without creating wind issues and looking unsightly, they are almost always mounted flush (vertically). While this sacrifices some summer generation, it maximises the surface area exposed to the southern horizon.
Do Vertical Solar Panels Need More Maintenance Than Roof Panels?
Actually, wall mounted solar panels often require less maintenance than their roof-mounted counterparts.
Because they are vertical, gravity does a lot of the work for you. Rainwater washes over them quickly, cleaning off dust and grime more effectively than on a shallow pitched roof. Leaves, twigs, and bird droppings are far less likely to settle on a vertical surface.
Furthermore, if they do need a manual clean or a technical check, they are often reachable with a simple ladder or even from the ground, eliminating the need for expensive scaffolding or dangerous roof climbing.
Performance Comparison: Wall Mounted vs. Roof Mounted Solar Panels
This is the deal-breaker for many: how much power will you actually generate?
Physics dictates that solar panels work best when the sun hits them at a perpendicular angle. In the UK summer, the sun is high; in winter, it is low. Roof panels compromise to catch the most sun year-round. Wall mounted solar panels sacrifice summer peaks but gain winter consistency.
Generally, a vertical wall facing south will generate about 70% to 80% of the energy that an optimally pitched roof system would produce over the course of a year.

Are Wall Mounted Solar Panels the Right Choice for My Home?
Wall mounted solar panels are rarely the first choice if you have a perfect, unshaded, south-facing roof. The physics of solar generation simply favors a tilt.
However, they are the right choice if:
- Your roof is unsuitable: It faces North, is structurally weak, or is heavily shaded.
- You need a boost: You already have roof panels and want to add more capacity to your system.
- You live in snowy areas: You want consistent winter power without snow covering the panels.
- You love the aesthetic: You want to make a visual statement with a modern solar façade.
- Maintenance access is key: You want a system that is easy to reach and clean.
Conclusion
Wall mounted solar panels are an innovative solution that opens up solar energy to homes that might otherwise miss out. While they may not match the total annual output of a perfectly pitched roof system, their unique benefits—like better winter performance, self-cleaning properties, and ease of access—make them a compelling option for many UK homeowners.
By turning your walls into power stations, you can reduce your carbon footprint and take control of your energy bills, regardless of your roof situation.
How Can E-Verve Energy Help?
Navigating the options for solar energy can be complex, especially when considering non-standard installations like wall mounting. At E-Verve Energy, we specialise in bespoke renewable energy solutions tailored to your specific property.
Our team of experts can conduct a full structural and shading analysis of your property to determine if wall mounted solar panels are feasible for you. We handle everything from the initial design to the final installation and commissioning.
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.

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