Short Answer:
Yes, you can install solar panels on a north-facing roof, but efficiency will be lower compared to south-facing panels. However, with tilted mounting systems, high-efficiency panels, and microinverters, homeowners can still generate 50-85% of the energy they would on an ideal south-facing roof.
Why Does Roof Orientation Matter for Solar Panels?
Solar panels generate the most energy when they receive direct sunlight for the longest period. In the Northern Hemisphere (U.S., Canada, Europe), the sun moves from east to west across the southern sky. This makes south-facing roofs the best for solar panels, as they receive maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
| Roof Orientation | Solar Output (% of Maximum Potential) |
|---|---|
| South-facing (ideal) | 100% |
| Southwest or Southeast-facing | 85-95% |
| East or West-facing | 75-85% |
| North-facing (worst case) | 50-85% |
🔹 Key Fact: A north-facing roof typically produces 20-50% less energy than a south-facing one, depending on the tilt of the roof and local climate conditions (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2023).
Challenges of a North-Facing Solar Panel Installation
1. Reduced Sunlight Exposure
Since the sun rarely shines directly on a north-facing surface, solar panels installed in this position receive more indirect light, reducing energy production.
2. Lower Efficiency in Winter
During winter, the sun is lower in the sky, and a north-facing roof gets even less sunlight than in summer. This is particularly challenging in northern states like Minnesota, New York, and Michigan, where winters are long and overcast.
3. Potential for More Shade
If trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings cast shadows on a north-facing roof, solar production drops even further. This makes shade-resistant solutions essential.
Solutions: How to Make Solar Panels Work on a North-Facing Roof
1. Increasing Panel Tilt Angle for Maximum Sunlight Capture
If your roof is north-facing, but with a low tilt angle (below 20°), the panels will struggle to generate enough power. A tilted mounting system can angle the panels toward the sun, significantly improving efficiency.
🔹 Example: Adjusting a 15-degree tilt to 30 degrees can boost energy output by up to 20% (EnergySage, 2023).
2. Using High-Efficiency Solar Panels
Not all solar panels perform the same in low-light conditions. Panels with higher efficiency work better even when sunlight is indirect.
🔥 Best Solar Panels for North-Facing Roofs:
- SunPower Maxeon 6 (22.8% efficiency)
- LG NeON R (22.3% efficiency)
- REC Alpha Pure-R (21.9% efficiency)
3. Installing Microinverters Instead of String Inverters
Microinverters optimize each panel individually, meaning one shaded or low-performing panel won’t drag down the entire system.
🔹 Efficiency Gain: Switching from a string inverter to microinverters can increase energy production by 10-20% on a north-facing roof (PV Tech, 2023).
4. Considering Bifacial Solar Panels
Bifacial solar panels capture light from both the front and back, meaning they can absorb sunlight reflected off the ground or nearby surfaces.
🔹 Efficiency Gain: Bifacial panels can increase energy production by 10-20% (SolarReviews, 2023).
5. Using Ground-Mounted or Pole-Mounted Solar Systems
If your roof is steeply north-facing, consider a ground-mounted system instead. These can be angled at the perfect tilt for maximum solar generation.
🔹 Best for Large Yards: Ground-mounted solar is ideal if you have extra land and want optimal energy output.
Real-World Example: How Much Power Does a North-Facing Roof Lose?
Let’s say a homeowner in Los Angeles, CA installs 6 kW of solar panels:
- South-facing panels would generate about 9,300 kWh/year
- North-facing panels (30-degree roof) would generate 5,500-6,500 kWh/year
Loss: That’s a 30-40% drop in production, but with tilted mounts and high-efficiency panels, the loss can be minimized to 10-20%.
Is It Worth Installing Solar on a North-Facing Roof?
Yes, if you:
✅ Live in an area with high electricity rates, where even slightly reduced solar production is still valuable
✅ Use high-efficiency panels and microinverters to optimize performance
✅ Can tilt the panels with adjustable racking systems
✅ Have battery storage (such as Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery) to store extra energy for low-production days
🚫 However, if your roof is steeply north-facing (over 40 degrees) and heavily shaded, solar might not be the best choice unless alternative mounting options are considered.
Key Takeaways
🔹 Solar panels on a north-facing roof work, but produce 50-85% of the energy compared to south-facing panels.
🔹 Tilted mounting systems, high-efficiency panels, and microinverters can improve performance.
🔹 Bifacial solar panels and battery storage can make north-facing solar systems more viable.
🔹 Consider ground-mounted systems if roof installation isn’t optimal.
💡Want to know if solar makes sense for your home? Get a free quote today!
