Can You Install Solar on a Shaded Roof? Options and Workarounds
Shading is one of the biggest concerns homeowners face when considering solar power. Whether it’s from nearby trees, tall buildings, or roof structures like chimneys, shade can reduce solar panel performance — but it doesn’t necessarily mean solar is off the table.
With smart technology and thoughtful design, solar can still be a viable and effective option, even for homes with partial shading. In this blog, we’ll explore your options and how modern solutions like microinverters, optimisers, and strategic placement can make solar work on shaded roofs.
How Shade Affects Solar Panel Performance
Solar panels work best in direct sunlight. When a portion of a panel is shaded, it can reduce the output of the entire system — especially if your system uses a traditional string inverter. In string systems, all panels are linked together, and the performance of the system is limited by the least productive panel. This is why shading used to be a deal-breaker for many solar installations.
Luckily, solar technology has come a long way.
Microinverters: Panel-by-Panel Control
One of the most effective solutions for shaded roofs is to use microinverters. Instead of connecting all panels to one central inverter, each panel gets its own microinverter, allowing it to operate independently.
Benefits of microinverters:
Shade on one panel doesn’t affect the others
Improved energy output in varied sunlight conditions
Enhanced monitoring for each panel's performance
Ideal for complex roof designs or partial shading
Power Optimisers: Smart Performance Management
Another excellent option is installing power optimisers with your panels. These devices are attached to each panel and work in tandem with a central inverter. They maximise the energy harvest by adjusting each panel’s output individually — even if one is shaded.
Why consider power optimisers?
Cost-effective compared to microinverters
Great for roofs with occasional or partial shading
Easy to pair with battery-ready hybrid inverters
Strategic Panel Placement
If only part of your roof is shaded during certain times of the day, a thoughtfully designed layout can work wonders. By identifying the sunniest areas of your roof — such as north- or west-facing sections — and placing panels there, you can still generate a significant amount of solar power.
Professional installers use tools like solar mapping and sun path analysis to determine the best layout for your roof and maximise performance.
Other Workarounds
In some cases, minor changes around your home can improve solar viability:
Tree trimming to reduce shade from overhanging branches
Installing panels on garage or shed roofs
Considering ground-mounted systems if you have available land
These adjustments can significantly increase solar exposure without compromising the aesthetics or structure of your home.
While full sun exposure is ideal, it’s not always necessary to enjoy the benefits of solar. Thanks to innovations like microinverters and optimisers — and the expertise of quality installers — solar power is now an option for more homes than ever before, even those with shaded roofs.
If you’re unsure whether your roof is solar-ready, speak with a trusted solar provider to assess your options and design a system that suits your home perfectly.
Get in touch today to start our journey together.
Stay committed!
Damien Frearson
