If you’re thinking about generating your own clean energy, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:
“Is my property suitable for solar panels?”

At Belectrix, your local solar installers in Hertfordshire, we assess a lot of homes each year — and the good news is that most UK properties are suitable for solar PV, with only a few needing small adjustments.
Here’s what determines whether solar is right for your roof (and how to find out for sure).

1. Roof Direction (Orientation)

The direction your roof faces plays a big role in how much solar energy you can produce.

  • South-facing roofs are ideal, capturing the most sunlight throughout the day.

  • East or West-facing roofs still perform well — often achieving 80–90% of a south-facing yield.

  • North-facing roofs generally produce less energy, but panels can still be viable with optimisers or alternative mounting angles.

Our engineers use advanced design tools to calculate the exact annual generation based on your property’s direction and shading.

2. Roof Angle (Pitch)

A roof pitch between 30° and 40° is typically most efficient in the UK, but don’t worry if yours is different — modern mounting systems allow for flexible installation.
Flat roofs, for example, can use tilt frames to position panels at the best angle for sunlight exposure.

3. Shading and Surroundings

Nearby trees, chimneys, or buildings can cast shadows on your roof and reduce performance.
During our on-site or digital shading analysis, we measure how much direct sunlight your roof receives throughout the year.
If shading is unavoidable, we may recommend power optimisers or a SolarEdge system to maintain maximum efficiency from each panel.

4. Roof Size and Condition

Before installing, we check:

  • Roof structure and condition (tiles, rafters, fixings)

  • Space available for the number of panels needed

  • Safe access for installation and future maintenance

If your roof needs repairs, it’s best to complete them before fitting solar panels. Belectrix can liaise with your roofer to coordinate the timing of both jobs efficiently.

5. Electrical Supply and Meter Location

Your home’s existing electrical setup must be suitable for connection to a solar inverter.
We check the fuse board, meter, and main incomer to ensure compliance and safety.
If you plan to add battery storage or EV charging, we’ll also verify available capacity and recommend the right configuration.

6. Planning Permission and Listed Buildings

Most residential solar installations in Hertfordshire fall under Permitted Development, meaning no planning permission is needed.
However, exceptions apply to:

  • Listed buildings

  • Properties in conservation areas

  • Flat roofs in visible locations

Our team can advise on local planning rules and help you obtain any necessary permissions before work begins.

7. Energy Usage and Bill Savings

The more electricity you use during the day, the more you benefit from solar energy.
We analyse your annual kWh consumption and create a system sized specifically for your household needs.
Adding battery storage can further increase your savings by storing excess power for evening use or off-peak charging.

(Read next: How to Maximise Your Solar ROI with Smart Energy Management)

8. Structural or Aesthetic Preferences

If you have limited roof space or specific visual requirements, we can explore:

  • Black-frame solar panels for a sleek, modern look

  • In-roof (integrated) mounting systems

  • Ground-mounted arrays where roof space is limited

We tailor every installation to suit your property’s design and your personal preferences.

How Belectrix Assesses Solar Suitability

When you contact us for a quotation, we:

  1. Review your property on mapping and shading software

  2. Estimate generation potential and return on investment

  3. Visit your site (if needed) to confirm roof and electrical conditions

  4. Provide a transparent quotation with realistic performance figures

We are NICEIC and MCS certified, ensuring your system meets the highest UK standards (About Belectrix).

Belectrix – Solar Installers in Hertfordshire You Can Trust

We’ve been serving homeowners and businesses across Hertfordshire, North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and West Essex for over 17 years, providing:

  • Solar PV system design and installation

  • Battery storage and EV charging integration

  • System servicing, monitoring, and maintenance

  • General Electrical Services

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Ready to Find Out If Your Property Is Suitable for Solar?

Every property is different — and that’s why professional assessment matters.
Contact Belectrix – expert solar installers in Hertfordshire today for a free, no-obligation solar suitability check and discover how much you could save with clean renewable energy.

Phone: +44 3450179771

Mobile: +447883493637

Email: contact@belectrix.co.uk