Solar Shadow Map
See where shadows fall on any roof in England, at any time of day and time of year. Search a postcode, then drag the time and date sliders to watch shadows from surrounding buildings and trees move across the roof.
The map is built from the Environment Agency’s LIDAR Composite Digital Surface Model (1 m resolution, Open Government Licence v3) — the same building-height data surveyors use — combined with a sun-position calculation for your exact postcode, date, and time. It shows real shadow geometry, not an estimate from average roof pitch.
Coverage is England only, following the LIDAR survey’s extent. If your postcode falls outside the surveyed area, or you want a written estimate of shading’s effect on generation, see our guide to checking whether your house gets enough sun for solar.
☀ Now
12:00
Alt 36° · Az 183°
Sunrise
05:58
NE · 93°
Sunset
17:45
NW · 267°
Day length
11h 47m
29 Sept
Using the shadow map
- What counts as a problem amount of shading?
- As a rough guide: under 15% of the roof shaded through the day is usually fine, 20–30% is marginal and worth checking with an installer, and over 30% likely rules a section out. See does my house get enough sun for solar panels for the full breakdown by UK region and roof orientation.
- What should I do next?
- Use the solar panel calculator to size a system for your roof, or go straight to MCS-certified installers who will carry out a full site survey — the shadow map is a planning tool, not a substitute for that survey.