Which way should a plug-in solar panel face?
South, tilted at about 30 to 45°, makes the most: about 786 kWh a year in central England. East or west still works. North isn't worth it.
Every direction and angle
| Facing | Flat | 15° | 30° | 45° | 60° | Upright |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South | 658 | 740 | 786 | 793 | 760 | 581 |
| South-east or south-west | 658 | 716 | 748 | 745 | 709 | 543 |
| East or west | 658 | 653 | 641 | 612 | 561 | 405 |
| North-east or north-west | 658 | 585 | 515 | 450 | 384 | 246 |
| North | 658 | 555 | 457 | 363 | 279 | 163 |
kWh a year from an 800W kit in Birmingham. Our figures from EU PVGIS 5.3 solar data. Flat is the same whichever way it faces. Further north makes a little less, further south a little more.
What the guidance says
- The best spot is unshaded and south-facing.Energy Saving Trust
- East- or west-facing panels still work but make less.Energy Saving Trust
- North-facing or shaded spots aren't recommended.Energy Saving Trust
Your own figure
Shade from trees, walls and neighbouring buildings can cut output a lot, and isn't in these figures. Try your postcode, direction and angle in the savings calculator.
Common questions
Is east or west better for plug-in solar?
They make about the same over a year. East produces more in the morning and west in the afternoon and evening, so pick the one that matches when you use most electricity at home.
What angle should a plug-in solar panel be?
Facing south, 30 to 45° makes the most. Upright, as on a balcony rail, makes about 581 kWh a year in Birmingham, around a quarter less than the best angle.
More guides
Planning permission
When you need it, and the new rules for houses in England.
Renting
Asking your landlord, with a message you can copy.
Flats and balconies
Leases, fire safety, cladding and timber balconies.
Sockets and wiring
Which socket, why no extension leads, and the fuse box check.
Does it work in winter?
Month by month, what a kit makes in the UK.
The 800W limit
Why 800W, and what happens with bigger panels.
Sources
- Energy Saving Trust: plug-in solar panel checklist
- European Commission Joint Research Centre: PVGIS 5.3 (SARAH3 solar radiation data, 2005 to 2023)
Checked 13 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@socketpanel.co.uk. How we check