Is My Edinburgh Roof Suitable for Solar?

Orientation

South is ideal. South-east and south-west are close behind. East and west work perfectly well, often with the array split across both. North-facing slopes are generally not worth it.

Pitch

Most UK pitches between roughly 20 and 50 degrees are fine. Very shallow pitches self-clean less well; very steep ones lose a little output but are otherwise workable.

Covering and condition

Tile and slate are standard. Flat roofs use frames. Metal uses clamps. What matters more than the material is condition — if the roof needs work, do it first.

Shading

Trees, chimneys, neighbouring buildings and, in some parts of Edinburgh, higher ground. Shading through the middle of the day matters far more than early morning or late evening shading.

The local picture

The New Town and much of central Edinburgh is a World Heritage Site and heavily conservation-designated, so panel visibility from the street is often the deciding factor.