A Full Guide to Wall Mounted Solar Panels
Unlike traditional rooftop systems, wall-mounted solar panels offer more flexibility in installation and orientation. They are ideal for vertical or shaded environments. Many UK homeowners with limited roof space or unconventional layouts are switching to this smart solar solution. This blog explores what wall mounted solar panels are, their unique benefits, average costs, and how they stack up against roof-mounted systems. Read on to discover if wall-mounted solar is suitable for your property.
What Are Wall Mounted Solar Panels?
As its name indicates, wall-mounted solar panels are also a type of solar panel utilizing the PV system. What tells them apart from others is the placement location. Rather than horizontally on the roof, they are secured directly to the wall with specialized components. This helps to reduce wind loads on the roof. Many homeowners also take them for a modern aesthetic because of their seamless integration with the building design. The vertical placement also ensures less debris buildup. The weather conditions, like gentle winds or rainwater, will carry most of the accumulations away. Plus, you don't need to climb up on the roof to clean it, making it easier to maintain.
Why Choose Wall Mounted Solar Panels?
Wall-mounted solar panels offer a compelling alternative to traditional rooftop installations. They are becoming a more popular solar UK option, especially when roof space is limited or unsuitable.
One key advantage of wall mounted solar panels is their versatility. They can transform otherwise unused vertical surfaces into energy-generating assets. Therefore, solar power is accessible to a wider range of properties, including those with complex rooflines, skylights, or shading issues. You can expect enhanced efficiency at capturing lower-angle sunlight, which is particularly beneficial during winter or in regions with higher latitudes.
Beyond spatial benefits, solar panels on the wall often integrate seamlessly with modern architectural designs. This has an aesthetic appeal that can enhance a building's facade. From a practical standpoint, their vertical orientation can reduce maintenance needs; dirt, dust, and snow are less likely to accumulate, allowing rain to naturally clean the panels more effectively. This can lead to more consistent performance with less manual upkeep.
Benefits of Installing Solar Panels on a Wall
Solar panels aren't just for roofs anymore. More flexible choices, like portable solar panels and wall-mounted ones, are becoming accessible. Installing solar panels on a wall gives enhanced energy-capturing efficiency that isn't feasible for rooftop installations. Below are key benefits.
Optimized for Limited or Unsuitable Roof Space: Solar panels mounted on the wall are ideal for properties with small, shaded, or complex roof structures, or those facing north. This allows more homes and businesses to embrace solar power.
Enhanced Aesthetics and Architectural Integration: The wall-mounted solar panels can be integrated into a building’s design. This offers a sleek, modern look that can complement the architecture rather than just sitting on top of it.
Reduced Maintenance: The vertical orientation means gravity and rain naturally helps shed dirt, dust, and snow. You can expect less accumulation and less frequent manual cleaning compared to tilted roof panels.
Effective Low-Angle Sun Capture: Wall-mounted solar panels work more efficiently at capturing sunlight during winter or in regions with higher latitudes, where the sun's angle is lower. It is beneficial for more consistent year-round energy production.
Lower Wind Load on Roof Structure: The solar panel mounted on a wall can greatly reduce the stress and wind load on the roof structure itself. To some extent, it is an effective way to extend the lifespan of the roof.
For example, the EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel (2 pieces) is made of high-efficiency monocrystalline cells, with an industry-leading conversion efficiency of 23%, which can efficiently absorb light energy. Under the same lighting conditions, it generates more power than similar-sized panels. It is particularly suitable for grid-connected and off-grid solar installations, such as storing energy during power outages, reducing electricity bills, or supplying power to off-grid households. The all-black design combines aesthetics and practicality. With an IP68 waterproof rating, it can be stably used in various environments. It is quick and easy to install, saving time and effort, and comes with a 10-year warranty, giving users more peace of mind.
EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panel (2 pieces)
How Do Wall Mounted Panels Compare to Roof-Mounted Systems?
Choosing between wall-mounted solar panels and roof-mounted ones depends on several factors, including your property's characteristics, energy needs, and aesthetic preferences. Each system has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here’s how they compare in some key aspects.
Energy Production and Efficiency
Roof-Mounted: They are generally considered the most efficient option for energy production, particularly when your home faces south in the Northern Hemisphere. You can adjust their pitch and angle to capture direct sunlight.
Wall-Mounted: They can capture low-angle sunlight effectively. This is beneficial in winter or at higher latitudes. Also, when set on south-facing walls, they will perform best.
Space and Installation
Roof-Mounted: They are ideal for properties with sufficient, unshaded roof space. When installing, directly put the mounting racks on the roof structure. However, unsuitable roof conditions (e.g., old roofs, complex shapes, significant shading) can limit their feasibility.
Wall-Mounted: They are excellent for properties with limited or unsuitable roof space, such as urban buildings, high-rises, or homes with north-facing roofs. They utilize otherwise unused vertical surfaces, making solar accessible to more locations. Installation may require specialized mounting hardware and careful consideration of wall integrity.
Maintenance and Durability
Roof-Mounted: Dirt, dust, and snow will likely accumulate year-round. This potentially requires frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance. Access for maintenance can also be challenging and may require professional services.
Wall-Mounted: The vertical orientation often allows rain to naturally wash away debris and snow, reducing manual cleaning needs. They are also generally easier and safer to access for maintenance or repairs.
How Much Do Wall Mounted Solar Panels Cost?
The installation cost of wall-mounted solar power systems for standard residences in the UK is influenced by core factors such as system scale, panel type, brand positioning, and installation complexity. According to industry statistics in June 2025, the basic installation cost for a 4kW wall-mounted solar system starts at £5,000.
System Sizes and Cost Reference Table:
Household Type | Number of Bedrooms | Recommended System Size | System Cost + Installation (GBP) |
Small Household
| 1-2 bedrooms
| 2kW | £2,500 to £3,500 |
3kW | £4,500 to £5,500 | ||
Medium Household
| 2-3 bedrooms
| 4kW | £5,000 to £6,000 |
5kW | £7,500 to £8,500 | ||
Large Household | 4-5 bedrooms | 6kW | £9,500 to £10,500 |
Note: The above are general estimates, and specific figures may vary significantly depending on the size, type, and quality of the solar panel system.
The core factors determining the cost of a solar panel system are:
System size (measured in kW): Larger systems with more panels naturally cost more.
Type and brand of panels: Higher efficiency panels that generate more power in a smaller area can be more expensive.
Installation complexity: It may require specialized brackets and potentially more complex installation techniques for different brands. This adds to the material and labor cost.
Location and wall orientation: The integrity and material of the wall will affect the complexity and cost of installation.
While wall-mounted solar panels are essential, relying solely on them is insufficient to achieve complete energy independence. A complete system must be built by integrating core solar kits such as inverters and energy storage batteries. The functions and necessity of each component are as follows:
Inverter: Converts direct current (DC) generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) usable for households, serving as a key hub for power connection to the grid or supply to household appliances.
Energy Storage Battery: Stores excess solar energy during the day for use at night or on cloudy days, realizing an energy-independent cycle of "self-generation and self-usage, surplus power storage".
Other Auxiliary Equipment
Charge Controller: Prevents overcharging and over-discharging of batteries to extend their service life.
Cables and Junction Boxes: Ensure safe power transmission and minimize line losses.
Intelligent Monitoring System: Tracks power generation, power consumption, and battery status in real time to optimize energy management.
For British households who pursue flexibility and cost optimization in the installation of wall-mounted solar panels, EcoFlow presents a highly competitive one-stop solution.
For British households looking to optimize their energy usage structure and reduce reliance on the grid, the EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter is an ideal choice.
It is compatible with 99% of solar panels on the market and provides a cost-effective energy solution through efficient solar conversion and intelligent power management, prioritizing solar power while flexibly supplementing with grid electricity.
EcoFlow STREAM Microinverter
For British households pursuing "zero-energy dependency and zero electricity bills", the EcoFlow STREAM Series Solar Plant leverage scalable energy storage systems and intelligent AI energy management to build a full-closed-loop ecosystem for power generation, storage, and consumption. This approach eliminates grid dependency entirely, turning the theoretical concept of "zero electricity bill operation" into a tangible home energy solution.
EcoFlow Stream Series Solar Plant
How to Install Wall Mounted Solar Panels?
The installation of wall-mounted solar panels requires following rigorous procedures to ensure safety, power generation efficiency, and long-term stability.
It is divided into three stages: pre-installation preparation, installation implementation, and commissioning and acceptance:
Pre-installation Preparation
Site Assessment: Before installation, assess the wall's orientation, shading conditions and structural integrity. South-facing walls with minimal shading are preferred (peak sun angle in London is approximately 180°).
Type and Quantity Selection: Choose the appropriate number and type of solar panels based on your household's energy needs.
Installation Implementation
Mounting Bracket Fixing: Install brackets designed to withstand the weight of the panels and external forces such as wind.
Panel Installation: Each panel should be carefully positioned and fixed to ensure precise alignment and secure connections, preventing damage.
Commissioning and Acceptance
Debugging Test: Conduct operational tests after installation to ensure the system runs normally and generates power as expected.
Certification Issuance: Register your solar panel installation with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).
Conclusion
Wall mounted solar panels in the UK are an excellent alternative for homeowners who lack ideal roof space or prefer more control over panel orientation. They offer both aesthetic and functional value with flexible installation and growing energy capture efficiency. By understanding the benefits, costs, and comparison to rooftop systems, you’re better equipped to make a sustainable energy choice that suits your home setup in 2025 and beyond. To take things a step further, EcoFlow offers user-friendly solar solutions to make your switch even smoother.
FAQs
Do you need planning permission for wall-mounted solar panels?
In most cases, adding wall-mounted solar panels in the UK does not require planning permission as they fall under “permitted development rights”. However, exceptions exist for listed buildings, properties in conservation areas (especially if visible from a highway), or if panels protrude more than 200mm from the wall. You can check with your local planning authority.
Do vertical solar panels need more maintenance than roof panels?
No. Conversely, vertical solar panels often require less maintenance than roof panels. Their upright orientation means dirt, debris, and snow are less likely to accumulate, allowing rain to clean them more effectively. Roof panels, especially those with shallower tilts, can trap more grime, potentially requiring more frequent manual cleaning.
How many solar panels does it take to power a house?
It depends. A typical UK household uses around 2,700-3,100 kWh of electricity annually. A 4kW solar system, usually comprising 10-12 panels (350W each), can generate 3,400-4,200 kWh/year, often covering 80-100% of an average home's needs. However, factors like energy consumption, roof size/orientation, and location influence the exact number.