North-Facing Solar Panels: Why They Still Make Sense

When people think about solar panels, there’s often one phrase that crops up again and again:
“South-facing is best.”

And while it’s true that south-facing panels typically capture the most sunlight throughout the day, that doesn’t mean they’re the only option — or even the best option — for every property.

At Newbury Electrical Services, we recently expanded an existing solar PV installation for a customer who already had 18 south-facing panels. They wanted to further reduce their reliance on the grid and maximise their on-site renewable energy generation. The solution? We added 24 additional north-facing panels, each rated at 425W.

Despite some woodland to the west creating shading at certain times of the day, we designed the system with individual optimisers on each panel, allowing them to operate independently at their maximum potential. Shading on one panel no longer affects the performance of the whole array.

Solar Panels Work Beyond Direct Sunlight

A common misconception is that solar panels only work when the sun is blazing in a clear blue sky. In reality, solar panels generate energy from solar irradiance — not just direct sunlight.

Solar irradiance measures the energy from the sun, including both direct sunlight and diffused light (light scattered by clouds or reflected from surfaces).

This means:
Even on cloudy days, your panels are still generating.
You can produce significant energy even in overcast conditions.

Modern panel technology is highly efficient at capturing this energy and converting it into usable electricity. This ensures consistent generation throughout the seasons — not just on perfect sunny days.

Maximising Self-Consumption with Smart Energy Management

Beyond simply installing more panels, we integrated Loxone’s Energy Management system to ensure this homeowner benefits from every kilowatt of renewable energy they generate.

With Loxone’s Energy Manager function, the system prioritises energy usage throughout the day, including:
• Heating the hot water cylinder
• Charging the electric vehicle (EV)
• Powering household appliances

All of this is done using free solar energy, dramatically reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering bills.

Although the customer doesn’t currently have battery storage, it’s under consideration for the future. They are already exporting more energy than they consume overnight, so battery storage would allow them to capture and store this surplus for even greater efficiency.

Year-on-Year Results: Doubling Generation with Smart Design

The results speak for themselves. Here’s a comparison of the system’s performance over the past two Junes:

June 2024 – 798.85 kWh
June 2025 – 1,599.88 kWh

Thats an impressive 100.27% increase!

Initially, the customer’s system consisted of 18 south-facing panels. Following the addition of 24 north-facing 425W panels in May 2025, their energy generation in June 2025 doubled compared to the same month the previous year.

Thanks to the combination of smart design, optimisers, and Loxone energy management, this homeowner is now heating water, charging their EV, and running their home with significantly more renewable energy than before.

Busting the Myth: North-Facing Panels Deliver Value

Here’s why north-facing panels deserve consideration:

Modern Technology Performs in Lower Light
Today’s panels capture both direct and diffused light, generating energy even on cloudy days and in less-than-ideal orientations.

Optimisers Make a Difference
Shading no longer impacts the whole system. With optimisers, every panel works to its full potential.

Energy Management Unlocks True Savings
With a larger system and Loxone’s Energy Manager, excess solar energy is put to immediate use in the home — reducing bills and grid reliance.

Summer Offsets Winter
While winter generation will naturally be lower, strong summer performance balances this out. With renewable-friendly tariffs and smart energy management, it’s possible to balance your bill to £0 — or even be credited.

The Bottom Line: It’s About the Right Design, Not Just Orientation

At Newbury Electrical Services, we know every home, every roof, and every customer’s energy usage is different. That’s why we don’t just install panels — we design intelligent, future-proof systems that make the most of all available roof space, backed by energy management technology to deliver real long-term benefits.

If you’re considering expanding your solar system, or wondering whether your north-facing roof could be put to work, get in touch. We’re always happy to help you make an informed decision.

If you have a question about our electrical services for you home or workplace,  get in touch. With our support and advice you can enjoy a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable lifestyle