Solar Suitability

Is your home suitable for solar panel installs?

With electricity prices rising across Australia, more homeowners are asking whether their property is a good candidate for solar. Most homes can benefit from solar panels, but factors such as roof orientation, available roof space, shading, electricity usage, and future battery plans influence system performance and long-term savings. Understanding how these elements work together can help you decide if solar is a worthwhile investment for your household.
Whether you own a modern family home, an older property, or are planning a new build, assessing your home's solar suitability is a first step toward reducing energy bills and generating your own renewable energy. In this guide, we'll explore key factors that affect solar performance, explain which homes benefit most, and help you understand what installers look for when designing a solar system.

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What Makes A Home Suitable For Solar?

While every property is different, several key factors determine how well a solar system will perform. A suitable home does not need a perfect north-facing roof or large roof space. Modern solar technology allows many Australian households to achieve significant savings even when conditions are not ideal.

The goal is to design a system that matches your home's layout, energy usage, and long-term objectives.Some important considerations include roof orientation, roof size, shading, electricity consumption patterns, and the condition of your existing electrical infrastructure.

Homes that use a reasonable amount of electricity, receive good sunlight throughout the day, and have sufficient roof space often achieve the strongest financial returns from solar. However, even properties with partial shading or east and west-facing roofs can benefit from a professionally designed system.If you are considering battery storage, assess your future energy needs at the same time.

A solar system designed with battery compatibility can provide greater flexibility as electricity prices, rebate programs, and household energy demands change over time. By understanding these factors early, homeowners can make more informed decisions and maximise the long-term value of their solar investment.

Solar Suitability Guide

Key Factors That Determine Solar Suitability

Most Australian homes can benefit from solar, but several factors influence how much energy your system will generate and how much you could save. Understanding these key considerations can help determine whether your property is well suited to solar and what type of system may be most effective.

Solar Factor	Why It Matters	What Installers Look For
Roof Direction	The direction your roof faces affects how much sunlight your panels receive throughout the day and the total energy your system can generate annually.	North, north-east and north-west facing roof areas are often ideal, but east and west-facing roofs can still deliver excellent results.
Roof Space	Available roof space determines how many solar panels can be installed and ultimately the size of the system your home can support.	Clear, usable roof sections with enough room for panels, especially for larger households or future battery plans.
Roof Pitch	Roof angle can influence panel performance and installation methods, although most residential roof pitches are suitable for solar.	Safe access and a roof design that allows efficient panel placement.
Shading	Trees, neighbouring buildings, chimneys and other obstructions can reduce solar production during parts of the day.	Minimal shading across the roof during peak sunlight hours.
Electricity Usage	Your energy consumption helps determine the most appropriate system size and potential savings from solar.	Homes with moderate to high electricity bills, air conditioning, pool pumps or daytime usage often see stronger returns.
Switchboard Condition	Older switchboards may require upgrades before a solar system can be safely connected.	Modern, compliant electrical infrastructure capable of supporting solar integration.
Battery Plans	If you plan to add battery storage later, your solar system can often be designed with future compatibility in mind.	Suitable inverter selection and system design that allows for future battery upgrades.

The Good News? Most Homes Can Support Solar

A perfect north-facing roof is no longer required to achieve strong solar performance. Advances in panel efficiency, inverter technology and system design mean many Australian homes can still generate significant savings even when roof orientation or shading conditions are not ideal.

Every property is unique. A professional solar assessment can determine the most suitable system size, panel layout and expected energy production for your home.

Good Sign	Typical Outcome
Good Roof Exposure	Higher solar generation potential
Limited Shading	Improved system efficiency
Higher Energy Usage	Greater bill reduction opportunities
Battery Ready Design	Future energy flexibility

Roof & System Size Guide

Best Roof Directions & Roof Space For Solar

Roof direction and available space both play a major role in solar performance. A north-facing roof is often ideal, but many east, west and split-facing roofs can still deliver strong savings when the system is designed around your household's energy use.

Best Roof Directions For Solar

Different roof orientations produce energy at different times of day, which can affect how well your solar generation matches your household usage.

North

Excellent

Highest annual generation for many Australian homes.

North-East

Excellent

Strong morning and daytime solar production.

North-West

Excellent

Strong afternoon production, useful for later-day energy use.

East

Very Good

Ideal for households using more power in the morning.

West

Very Good

Better suited to afternoon and early evening usage patterns.

South

Fair

Can still be viable depending on roof size, shading and energy needs.

How Much Roof Space Do Solar Panels Need?

The amount of roof space required depends on panel size, system design and available usable roof area. These figures are general estimates only.

6.6kW

Approx. 30–35m² of roof space

10kW

Approx. 45–55m² of roof space

13.3kW

Approx. 60–70m² of roof space

15kW+

Approx. 70m²+ of roof space

Note: Roof space estimates vary depending on panel wattage, roof layout, exclusion zones, shading, tilt, orientation and installation requirements. A professional assessment is the best way to confirm the right system size for your property.

Solar Performance Guide

What Can Impact Solar Performance & Who Benefits Most?

Solar isn't only about roof direction and panel placement. Factors such as shading and household energy habits can significantly influence system performance, savings potential and overall return on investment.

Common Sources Of Solar Shading

Shading can reduce solar generation during parts of the day and may influence system design.

🌳

Trees Can reduce production during certain times of the day depending on seasonal growth and shadow movement.

🏠

Neighbouring Homes May impact morning or afternoon sunlight, particularly on smaller suburban blocks.

🏭

Chimneys Can create localised shading across individual panels.

📡

Antennas May reduce performance on affected sections of the solar array.

⛰️

Hills & Mountains Can reduce available solar generation hours during parts of the year.

Which Homes Benefit Most From Solar?

Some households naturally achieve stronger returns due to their energy usage patterns.

Families With High Electricity Bills Excellent

Homes With Air Conditioning Excellent

Households Planning An EV Excellent

Pool Owners Excellent

People Working From Home Very Good

Retirees At Home During The Day Very Good

Low Energy Users Moderate

Solar Suitability Checklist

Could Your Home Be A Great Fit For Solar?

While every property is different, many Australian homes already tick several of the boxes that make solar a worthwhile investment. Use this quick checklist to see how your home compares.

✓

Does your roof receive sunlight most of the day?

Consistent sunlight allows your solar panels to generate more energy throughout the year.

✓

Do you have available roof space?

Sufficient roof space allows for larger systems and greater energy production potential.

✓

Are your electricity bills over $1,500 per year?

Higher electricity usage often creates greater opportunities for long-term solar savings.

✓

Do you plan to stay in the property for several years?

Remaining in your home longer allows more time to benefit from reduced electricity costs.

✓

Is shading relatively limited?

Minimal shading generally improves overall system performance and energy generation.

✓

Are you interested in reducing grid reliance?

Solar can help households generate more of their own electricity and improve energy independence.

How Did You Score?

If you answered yes to four or more questions, there is a good chance your property could benefit from solar. Even if your home doesn't tick every box, modern solar system design often allows installers to work around factors such as roof orientation, shading and roof layout. A professional assessment can provide a clearer picture of your home's solar potential and the system size that may be most suitable.

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What our customers say

“I am saving money with my panels, I’m very excited to say. The quoting process was so easy, and no pressure. Price-wise they were the most competitive, and not only are the panels and inverters great and really high-quality, but the team was so great to work with that I have no hesitation in recommending them.”

— Kavina

“The speed that they got a quote to me – and had the system erected – was super-fast. They were straight to the point, legitimate; I could get them on the phone, and not beat around the bush with a salesperson. They were polite and enjoyable to have around. Get Stag to do it – I’d recommend them any day of the week.”

— Ian

“The enquiry and quoting process was very easy. We were very happy with [the quote] and accepted it straight away. We’re saving a lot of money with the solar panels. The total experience with Stag was one that left us feeling very good, very satisfied, and we’d be happy to recommend them to anyone – I don’t think you could do any better.”

— David

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10,000+

Installations completed

100+

Five-star reviews on SolarQuotes

Platinum Warranty Package

We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional products and services, which is why we offer our comprehensive 25-year Platinum Warranty. This industry-leading warranty goes above and beyond standard workmanship warranties, covering various components not typically included in manufacturer warranties.

With our Platinum Warranty, you can rest assured that your solar investment is well protected, giving you complete peace of mind as you enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy.

Workmanship (lifetime)*

Broken Tiles Repaired/Replaced*

Property Damage*

Wiring & Conduits

AC & DC Isolators

Excessive Broken Tiles*

No Call Out Fees for Warranty Repairs

Express Warranty Claims

Any At-Fault Damage Not Under Warranty

Racking, Railing, Brackets, and Clamps

Electrical Safety Certificate Provided

Warranty Documents Provided

Pre and Post Installation Photos

Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Suitability

Talk to a Verified Installer No pressure! Just expert advice

How Do I Know If My Home Is Suitable For Solar?

Most Australian homes are suitable for solar. Factors such as roof direction, available roof space, shading, electricity usage and the condition of your electrical infrastructure all influence how effective a solar system may be. A professional assessment can determine the best solution for your property.

Does My Roof Need To Face North For Solar To Work?

No. While north-facing roofs often achieve the highest annual solar production, east and west-facing roofs can also perform extremely well. Modern solar system design allows many roof orientations to generate significant energy savings.

Can Solar Work On A Roof With Some Shade?

Yes. Partial shading does not automatically rule out solar. The impact depends on the amount of shade, when it occurs and which parts of the roof are affected. A solar assessment can identify the best panel placement to maximise performance.

How Much Roof Space Do I Need For Solar Panels?

The amount of roof space required depends on the size of the solar system. As a general guide, a 6.6kW system may require around 30–35m² of roof space, while larger systems require additional room for panels.

Are High Electricity Bills A Good Reason To Install Solar?

In many cases, yes. Homes with higher electricity usage often have greater opportunities to reduce power bills through solar because they can offset more grid electricity with their own renewable energy generation.

Do Homes With Air Conditioning Benefit More From Solar?

Often they do. Air conditioning can account for a significant portion of household electricity consumption, particularly during sunny periods when solar systems are producing the most energy.

Is Solar Worth It If I Work From Home?

Many people working from home can benefit from solar because they use more electricity during daylight hours when solar panels are generating power. This can increase self-consumption and improve overall savings.

Can I Install Solar If I Plan To Add A Battery Later?

Yes. Many solar systems can be designed with future battery compatibility in mind. Planning for battery storage early can help ensure the system is ready for future upgrades if your energy needs change.

What If My Home Doesn't Tick Every Solar Suitability Box?

Very few homes are perfect. Modern solar technology allows installers to work around factors such as roof orientation, partial shading and roof layout. A professional assessment can determine whether solar is still likely to provide worthwhile savings.

What Is The Best Way To Find Out If My Home Is Suitable For Solar?

The best approach is to have a professional solar assessment completed. This allows an installer to evaluate your roof, shading, electricity usage, switchboard, future energy plans and expected solar production before recommending a system.

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