Vertical Solar Panels UK: Benefits, Costs & Installation

With energy prices rising and the UK’s net-zero targets in sharp focus, more property owners are turning to solar technology. While traditional rooftop panels have long been the standard, vertical solar panels are fast emerging as a game-changer, especially in urban environments, on listed buildings, or where roof space is limited.

This guide is crafted for UK homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners who are researching solar panel solutions that balance performance, aesthetics, and return on investment. If you’re exploring how to improve your EPC rating, cut long-term energy costs, or future-proof your property, vertical solar panels could be the smart choice.

Read on to understand the benefits, installation options, and key considerations to help you make an informed decision about vertical solar energy systems.

What Are Vertical Solar Panels and How Do They Work?

Vertical solar panels are photovoltaic systems mounted upright—typically on façades, fences, or balcony railings—instead of on pitched rooftops.

They operate on the same core technology as traditional solar panels, using photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Their vertical orientation makes them ideal for properties with limited or shaded roof space.

Vertical vs Traditional: What’s the Difference?

Traditional solar panels are usually installed on pitched roofs at an optimal angle facing the sun. In contrast, vertical solar panels are mounted upright, typically on building façades, fences, walls, or balcony railings.

How They Generate Energy

Vertical solar panels generate electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells, just like their rooftop counterparts. However, because of their orientation, they are better suited for capturing low-angle sunlight during mornings and evenings, and during winter when the sun sits lower in the sky.

Are Vertical Solar Panels Effective in the UK Climate?

Yes, vertical solar panels are particularly effective in the UK’s variable climate thanks to their ability to capture sunlight during low sun angles, especially during mornings, evenings, and the winter months.

While they may not produce as much electricity as optimally tilted rooftop systems in summer, they help ensure more consistent year-round generation.

Do They Work Well in Low Sunlight Conditions?

Yes, and here’s why. The UK’s latitude and often overcast skies mean that sunlight hits surfaces from many angles throughout the day. Vertical panels can outperform tilted ones in winter months due to their ability to catch horizontal light, making them ideal for the UK’s seasonal shifts.

East/West Wall Installations

Installing panels on east and west-facing walls enables extended energy generation, starting early in the morning and continuing into the evening, balancing out peak solar performance across the day.

If you have multiple panels, you will also have to decide whether to go for series or parallel solar panels when you wire them.

What Are the Benefits of Vertical Solar Panels for UK Property Owners?

Vertical solar panels offer unique advantages, especially for urban buildings or sites with non-ideal roof conditions.

For homeowners, they free up roof space and improve aesthetics; for landlords, they help with EPC compliance; and for commercial owners, they present large-scale energy and sustainability benefits.

For Homeowners: Energy Savings & Visual Appeal

• Maximise Wall Space: Perfect for urban properties with small or shaded roofs.
• Improve Home Value: Solar installations can increase resale potential and EPC ratings.
• Visual Integration: Available in BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) styles that blend into walls or fences.

For Landlords: EPC Compliance and Tenant Satisfaction

• Meet EPC Regulations: UK regulations require rental properties to meet minimum EPC ratings—solar can help.
• Lower Energy Costs: Attract eco-conscious tenants with sustainable features.
• Low Maintenance: Vertical panels often collect less dust and debris than roof-mounted systems.

For Commercial Buildings: Branding, Savings & BREEAM Points

• Façade Integration: Vertical PVs double as architectural elements.
• Reduce Overheads: Slash electricity bills through onsite energy production.
• Sustainability Goals: Earn points towards certifications like BREEAM or LEED.

What Are the Challenges or Limitations?

Despite their benefits, vertical solar panels do come with certain trade-offs. These include lower total annual output compared to optimally angled systems, potential planning restrictions, and higher costs for integrated designs.

Understanding these challenges can help you determine whether vertical PV is right for your property.

Lower Annual Output vs Tilted Panels

Vertical solar panels tend to have a lower total energy yield compared to optimally angled rooftop panels, especially in summer. However, this can be offset by:

• Dual installations (roof + wall)
• Bi-facial panels that capture reflected light
• Smart inverter systems that maximise output

Structural Considerations and Planning Permission

For listed buildings or conservation areas, façade-mounted PVs may require planning permission. Always check with your local authority.

Tip:

Refer to the Planning Portal UK or consult your local council before installing vertical panels.

What Are the Best Use Cases for Vertical Solar Panels in the UK?

Vertical solar panels are ideally suited for locations where roof installations are impractical or restricted. This includes urban homes with small roofs, commercial buildings with expansive façades, or properties aiming for design-conscious solar integration.

Urban Homes & Terraced Properties

Where roof space is minimal or overshadowed, vertical panels on south-, east-, or west-facing walls can deliver substantial savings.

Multi-Unit Properties

Flats, apartment blocks, and HMOs can use vertical solar to reduce communal energy costs and boost EPC ratings across units.

Commercial & Industrial Buildings

Retail parks, office blocks, and warehouses can utilise large façades for solar cladding to both power operations and promote a sustainable brand.

How Much Do Vertical Solar Panels Cost in the UK?

The cost of vertical solar panels in the UK depends on the system size, integration method, and design complexity. While standard installations may be comparable to rooftop systems, bespoke BIPV solutions and façade-mounted setups generally command a premium due to engineering and aesthetic considerations.

Average Installation Cost

Costs vary based on size, type, and integration method:

• Standard vertical PV system: £4,000–£9,000+
• Building-integrated systems (BIPV): £10,000–£25,000+ (depending on materials and design)

Grants and Incentives

• Smart Export Guarantee (SEG): Earn payments for exporting excess energy.
• ECO4 Scheme: Grants for low-income or fuel-poor households.
• Zero VAT on Solar: Until 2027, solar panel installations are exempt from VAT.

How to Choose the Right Vertical Solar System?

Selecting the right vertical solar panel system involves balancing efficiency, aesthetics, orientation, and budget. It’s also crucial to choose certified installers and ensure your system is eligible for financial incentives and grid export schemes like the SEG.

Key Features to Compare

• Efficiency Ratings: Look for panels with high winter performance.
• Panel Type: Monocrystalline is more efficient than polycrystalline.
• Inverter Type: Microinverters perform better on vertically installed systems with partial shading.
• Aesthetics: Consider BIPV if visual appeal is a priority.

Installer Selection Tips

• Choose MCS-certified installers to ensure SEG eligibility.
• Look for companies offering custom mounting solutions.
• Compare warranties: Minimum 25 years for performance.

Can You Combine Vertical and Rooftop Solar Panels?

Absolutely. In fact, combining systems can balance energy generation throughout the day and year:

• Rooftop panels: Peak during midday.
• Vertical panels: Peak in the morning/evening or winter.

This hybrid approach enhances grid independence and reduces reliance on high-tariff times.

In Summary

As the demand for clean energy rises and UK property regulations tighten, alternative solar technologies are becoming increasingly attractive.

Vertical solar panels offer a unique solution for buildings with limited roof space, aesthetic constraints, or specific orientation challenges. Though their energy output may be slightly lower than angled rooftop systems, they shine in winter performance, architectural flexibility, and compliance with sustainability targets.

Whether you're a homeowner looking to lower your energy bills, a landlord aiming to meet EPC regulations, or a commercial property owner striving for carbon reduction, vertical installations could provide the innovation your property needs.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do Vertical Solar Panels Need More Maintenance?

Not necessarily. Their upright angle helps rain wash off dust and debris, reducing the need for regular cleaning.

Are Vertical Panels Suitable for Listed Buildings?

Yes, but planning permission is often required. Consider frameless or BIPV systems that blend into the structure.

Can I Store Energy with a Battery?

Yes. Pairing with a solar battery storage system ensures you can use stored electricity during non-sunny hours.