Vertical Solar Panels UK: Wall-Mounted, Horizontal and Folding Solar Options
Solar panels do not necessarily have to be installed at a traditional angle on a pitched roof. Homeowners and outdoor users should consider vertical solar panels, horizontal solar panels, or portable folding solar panels, depending on the space availability and design of the property and how it's going to be used.
There are different uses for each format. Vertical systems are used when roof space is limited, such as on walls and façades, whereas horizontal panels are typically used on roofs and other open spaces. Folding panels are more portable, so they are better for temporary outdoor use like camping, caravans and campervans.
For UK users, choosing the right energy storage solutions depends on factors such as sunlight exposure, shading, available mounting space, weather conditions, and electricity demand, not just orientation.
Vertical Solar Panels and Alternative Mounting Orientations
Solar panel mounting is available in various types, each presenting a different way to capture sunlight and how readily the panels can be integrated into a property or portable power system. Knowing which basic options are available can help to determine which will work in a limited space.
Vertical Solar Panels for UK Homes
Vertical solar panels UK systems mount solar panels on a vertical or near-vertical plane, as opposed to the more commonly installed roof plane. It may be useful where there is not reasonable roof space but an external wall or façade, or similar surface, is exposed to the sun.
They are highly oriented- and seasonal sun angle dependent on energy production. It will thus produce differently from a tilted roof array, especially in the varying seasons of the UK.
Vertical Wall-Mounted Solar Panels
Building walls, garages or outbuildings may be used with vertical wall-mounted solar panels. They can also be more readily available for inspection or cleaning than some rooftop systems.
But surrounding buildings and vegetation, and the orientation of the wall, can shade and diminish output. The following is a review of the practical aspects of wall-mounted solar panels and should be considered by anyone proposing such a scheme before judging whether a wall provides appropriate solar exposure.
Horizontal Solar Panels on Roofs and Flat Surfaces
The term horizontal solar panels is often used for roofs or rigid structures where solar panels are mounted at shallower angles. On flat roofs, panels are sometimes not laid flat, but are mounted on a frame, which can enhance sunlight exposure and drainage.
This can provide more flexibility in the orientation of the panels, but spacing between rows may be required to reduce self-shading.
Folding Solar Panels for Portable Use
While stationary installations are fixed, the solar panels can be folded. They may be put up when electricity is required, oriented to incoming sunlight, and folded up when it's time.
This makes a folding solar panel especially practical for certain outdoor circumstances such as camping, campervans, caravans, and so on, where the solar panel is not supposed to stay for a long time. They are not designed to replace a permanent home PV system but are more flexible.
Vertical vs Horizontal Solar Panels
Once the different primary mounting systems are compared, the next question will be how orientation will impact real energy production. The performance of vertical solar panels is different from horizontal or tilted panels, as they get sunlight differently throughout the day and year, and there are other factors to consider, such as shading and available installation space, in addition to orientation.
Sunlight Exposure at Different Panel Angles
It is generally found that solar panels can generate electricity more efficiently if the sun's rays fall on them at an angle favorable to the solar panel. A tilted roof installation has strong exposure if the panel exposure is suitable according to the sun path. In contrast, a vertical solar panel has exposure to sunlight from a steeper angle.
This is not to say vertical mounting is not effective. However, a well-placed wall can still benefit from valuable direct sun exposure, especially when it is in a preferred aspect and is not too shaded.
Seasonal Solar Generation in UK Conditions
Due to the varying sun angle in the UK, panel orientation may be different in different seasons. In the summer, the sun is higher in the sky, and it can be advantageous to have installations that are at an appropriate inclination. Steeper surfaces may be relatively more beneficial during some periods of the day in the winter season, when the sun is lower in the sky.
So, looking at the overall annual generation, rather than one season, should be considered. For those looking to compare output potential, you can also read how solar panel efficiency will impact how much it can be generated.
Shading From Buildings, Trees and Roof Features
Vertical solar panels UK can also be affected by shading, which impacts their performance, as can traditional roof arrays. The panels can be shaded by neighboring properties, fences or trees, and rooftop panels can be shaded by chimneys, dormers and neighboring structures.
It is not just the question of vertical panels versus horizontal panels, but the amount of unobstructed sunlight that can reach the panels during useful daylight hours.
Space Utilisation on Walls, Roofs and Small Properties
Vertical installations can utilize façades or walls, which might otherwise not be capable of generating solar power. This can be beneficial for houses with small roof surfaces or in cases where the roof geometry is not appropriate.
Typically, horizontal or inclined panels produce more electricity from the available roof space, and walls can also be used where roof space might be limited. The surface should thus be taken into account, as well as the expected generation.
Vertical and Horizontal Solar Panel Performance Compared
No one orientation will be the best for all properties. Vertical solar panel systems or tilted roof arrays might yield better annual output in favorable roof conditions; Horizontal solar panels might be more feasible in situations where wall space is easier to access or roof space is limited.
The preferred choice will vary according to orientation, shading, seasonal exposure to the sun, and available mounting space. The same considerations are even more relevant when determining just where the vertical panels might be positioned around a UK home.
Where Vertical Solar Panels Can Work Around the Home
The next step after understanding the performance differences is to find a suitable location. Vertical solar panels have the potential to be installed in a variety of locations around a property. Still, the surface must have sufficient sunlight, structural strength, and safe access for installation and maintenance.
Garden Walls and Outbuildings
If the roof is not suitable, a sunny garden wall, garage or shed can be used as an alternative. Vertical wall-mounted solar panels could be very practical when these are oriented in a favorable direction and in a location that can be shaded for a small portion of the day.
Installations in the garden may need to be evaluated for surrounding trees, fences, and buildings that may shade the site. If you're a homeowner who is thinking about a different garden setup, you also have the option of installing solar panels in a garden.
Balconies and Terraces
If a property has little or no private roof space, balconies and/or terraces can provide valuable solar exposure. The position of the panels can be vertical, on proper mounting systems or on properly designed supports.
But wind exposure, building loading, shading and building restrictions must be considered before considering a balcony as a solar installation area.
Building Façades and Limited-Roof-Space Properties
A façade can be used where roof space is limited, to give extra surface area. This could make vertical solar panels relevant to some UK homes, extensions and other buildings with exposed exterior walls.
The primary restriction is direction. A very shaded façade or a badly positioned roof surface can generate significantly less electricity than a well-exposed roof surface.
Flat Roofs With Alternative Mounting Structures
A flat roof is more flexible as panels are generally able to be supported at a selected tilt rather than being flat. Structures can be used to facilitate mounting and provide adequate row spacing for good solar exposure.
This is not a vertical mount, but may find application in situations where no pitched roof is available.
Weather Exposure, Access and Installation Requirements
Solar panels on the outside need to be able to handle the rain, wind and changing weather in the UK. Mounting points, fixings and cable routes should accordingly be compatible with the selected surface and be able to withstand over time.
Access also matters. Panels must be located to allow inspection and maintenance to be performed without undue risk. Vertical, horizontal, or some other method of mounting may be the more appropriate option in addition to the consideration of sunlight and space.
Choosing the Right Solar Panel Setup
Once an appropriate site has been found, the next step is determining whether the solar panel system fits the needs for where and when the electricity is to be utilized. Different types of solar panels have different requirements for space, and their efficiency and installation depend on the specific needs of the application. Vertical solar panels, horizontal installations, and portable folding systems all have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on the energy needs and available space for the installation.
Fixed Solar Versus Portable Solar
Fixed panels are more suitable for long-term household generation as they are permanently installed and can contribute to electricity generation all year long. Folding solar panels are typically used temporarily and can be transported from campsite to campsite, caravan to caravan, campervan, or other outdoor environments.
If you're a user who's thinking about going off-grid on the odd occasion, this guide on how to use solar panels for camping will be useful for positioning and portable solar use.
Available Space and Mounting Location
Panel format is frequently limited by space. Conventional tilted panels may be best for a property that has a suitable roof, but a home with limited roof area could benefit from vertical wall-mounted solar panels.
Mobile users value various things. A fold-up solar panel should not only have ample open space or another surface to spread out on, but should be easily packable when not in use.
Household and Outdoor Electricity Demand
Panel size and type of system should be determined by the electricity needed. A home unit might require sufficient output to power normal daytime usage, and a portable unit could just be used for lighting, phones, or other small camp equipment.
The size of the solar array or the number of panels can vary depending on the amount of electricity required, with higher usage potentially needing a larger array or multiple panels, and lower usage potentially requiring a smaller folding solar panel.
Shading, Weather and Expected Solar Exposure
There are several factors that can cause a decrease in output, including trees, buildings, roof designs, and weather conditions. It may be that a larger solar panel that is installed on a shaded wall produces less electricity than a smaller solar panel that is installed on a sunnier wall.
Portable panels have the advantage that they can be moved around during the day more easily, while fixed systems rely more on the installation location.
Long-Term Installation Versus Occasional Use
Another key difference is the amount of time it is supposed to last. Fixed vertical solar panel UK installations are more appropriate where regular household generation is needed, and portable or folding-type solar panels are better suited for temporary or mobile applications.
The decision between them should therefore be based on a trade-off between installation space, expected generation, requirement for electricity, and the frequency of their use. After that, it's the question of what to do with the solar electricity that's generated, and how to store it for later use.
Energy Storage for Home and Solar Setups
After selecting the solar panel format, the next consideration is storage for people who want to use more of the solar panel's electricity. Battery storage can store excess generation for times when the sun is not as strong – such as vertical solar panels or roof-mounted systems.
EcoFlow STREAM 5000 for New Home Solar and Storage Planning
EcoFlow STREAM 5000 is suitable for a more holistic home energy system for households who are designing their solar generation and battery storage in tandem. It's especially important for users installing a solar energy system and a new system of this kind who wish to have solar generation and storage capacity meet the projected electricity use within their household.
The battery does not require panels to be placed vertically or horizontally. The key is the electricity yield of the solar system and the amount of surplus electricity available for storage.
EcoFlow STREAM AC 5000 for Existing Solar Homes
For existing homes with an appropriate solar setup, EcoFlow STREAM AC 5000 could be an option to consider for future battery storage upgrades.
This can be used to store excess daytime production for the evening or other time of day when the household demand is highest. Those who want to know what happens with the excess electricity can also check what happens when the solar batteries are full.
Matching Solar Panel Format With Storage and Electricity Demand
Instead of just relying on the direction of the solar panels, battery capacity should be determined to fit the solar generation and actual household usage. The amount of energy being generated from the solar panels on a property could vary, especially for a property with a larger tilted roof solar panel array; therefore, an expected surplus should be taken into consideration before deciding on the size of the storage.
Portable folding solar panels have other considerations. Such systems are typically suited for outdoor mobile power systems over a permanent household battery storage system. When the panel type, the storage format, and the electricity demands are matched, the system will be adapted to the way the electricity will be used.
Conclusion
Choosing between vertical solar panels, horizontal roof installations and folding solar panels depends on the environment that the system will be used in, the amount of sunlight available at the site and whether it is preferred to have a permanent system generating power at home or a portable system generating power outdoors. Installations can be either vertical (making productive use of walls and façades), or tilted or horizontal (where sufficient roof space exists). Folding panels, on the other hand, are more useful when portability and/or temporary deployment are important.
When homeowners are comparing these options, they should consider more than just where the panels should face—how many panels can be used on their roof, the amount of electricity they are looking to generate, and shading.
FAQs
Can Vertical Solar Panels Be Installed on a North-Facing Wall?
Yes, but a wall that faces north will tend to get less direct sunlight in the UK than a wall that faces south. Vertical solar panels in the UK should then be evaluated for the likely yearly solar yield, as well as potential shading and whether an alternative wall or roof face may offer a better solar exposure.
Do Vertical Solar Panels Need Different Mounting Hardware?
Typically, vertical wall-mounted solar panels need special mounting equipment to ensure they can be securely attached to the wall. The fixings shall be compatible with the building material, the weight of the panels, and the anticipated wind loads, and shall be spaced adequately and ventilated. The mounting system that is suitable for the property can be identified by a professional installer.
Can Folding Solar Panels Be Used With a Home Battery?
Some of the folding solar panels are technically able to power compatible charging hardware, but are mainly intended for portable uses. In general, permanent (stationary) home batteries work best in a solar installation that has been properly designed for stationary use. At the same time, folding panels are more suitable for off-grid applications, such as caravans, camping or temporary installations.
Are Folding Solar Panels Suitable for Regular Campervan Travel?
Yes, a folding solar panel can be a good choice for use in a campervan as it can be folded away when traveling and be at an angle to the sun when parked. When choosing a portable solar system, users should compare the output on the panels, the compatibility of the systems for charging, and the storage capacity and daily power consumption.
Can Vertical and Horizontal Panels Be Combined on the Same Property?
Yes, for systems that are designed to be installed both vertically and horizontally or tilted, vertical and horizontal panels can be installed on the same property. Due to the differences in the way each surface can receive sunlight, separate strings may be required, or appropriate MPPT inputs to control the output of each surface.