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Solar Panel Installers in Durham

MCS-certified solar PV and battery storage for Durham homes and businesses, from an award-winning, family-run team based in Yarm.

Looking for solar panels in Durham? ALPS Electrical is a family-run, MCS-certified installer based in Yarm, about 25 miles from Durham. We design and install solar and battery systems for homeowners and businesses who want to cut their electricity bills and rely less on the grid. With over 500 reviews on Checkatrade and Google and a Checkatrade Sustainability Champion 2024 award behind us, you can see exactly what our customers think before you get in touch.

Get a Free Quote 01642 790 489

Solar panel installation by ALPS Electrical in Newton Hall

Solar Panels for Durham Homes and Businesses

Durham combines a protected historic centre with large residential areas like Newton Hall, Framwellgate Moor and Belmont, where most roofs are well suited to solar. Panels don’t need direct sunshine to work, they need daylight, and a well-designed system will generate a meaningful share of your yearly electricity, with the most production between March and September.

If your home is in or near the historic centre, we’ll talk you through the planning position honestly before any design work. Outside the centre, most installs are straightforward.

Why Homeowners in Durham Are Switching to Solar

  • Lower electricity bills. Every unit you generate and use yourself is a unit you don’t buy from your supplier.
  • Get paid for surplus. With an MCS-certified installation you can claim Smart Export Guarantee payments for the electricity you export.
  • Protection from price rises. Generating your own power reduces how exposed you are to the energy market.
  • A greener home. Solar cuts your carbon footprint from day one.
  • Property appeal. An efficient home with a better EPC rating is an easier sell.

Watch Our Installations

Sigenergy Solar System Installation With Full Home Backup.

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Solar panel installation by ALPS Electrical in Crook

Add Battery Storage and Use More of What You Generate

Without a battery, much of the electricity your panels produce during the day gets exported while you’re out. A home battery stores that surplus so you can use it in the evening, when electricity is most expensive.

We install Tesla Powerwall, Fox ESS and other leading battery systems, and we’re a Tesla Certified Installer. Paired with a smart tariff, your battery can also charge on cheap overnight rates and power your home through the evening peak, which cuts your bills further still.

Planning Permission in Durham

For most homes, solar panels are permitted development and no planning application is needed. There are exceptions, including listed buildings and properties in the city centre conservation area around the Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. We’ll check your property’s status during the survey and advise you if an application is needed.

Property types
Historic city-centre properties, Victorian terraces, 1960s and 70s estates such as Newton Hall, and newer family homes
Planning
The city centre is a large conservation area around the Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. Visible roof slopes there usually need consent.
Coverage
Serving all areas of Durham including Gilesgate, Framwellgate Moor, Newton Hall, Pity Me, Neville’s Cross, Belmont, Sherburn Road and Bowburn, Spennymoor, Ferryhill, Wheatley Hill, Crook.
Postcodes covered:DH1

If you don’t see your postcode listed, contact us as we may be able to work in your area.

What It Costs

Solar panel prices depend on your roof, the system size and whether you add a battery. We provide a clear, itemised quote after your survey, with no pressure and no hidden extras. Residential solar and battery installations currently benefit from 0% VAT, which is a saving worth having while the relief lasts.

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Equipment We Install

Solar Panels

Jinko Tiger Neo
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Jinko Tiger Neo

One of the world’s best-selling panels. Up to 22.3% efficiency with excellent low-light performance.

30-year product warranty

JA_Solar
JA Solar - logo

JA Solar

Outstanding value with efficiencies up to 21.8%. Consistently ranked among the top global manufacturers.

Top-tier reliability

Aiko Neostar
AIKO - Logo

Aiko

Back-contact (BC) cell architecture achieving efficiencies above 23%. Ideal where roof space is limited.

Cutting-edge technology

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What to Expect: Our Installation Process

We have refined our installation process over hundreds of projects to ensure every customer receives a smooth, professional experience from first contact to final commissioning.

Alps Electrical -free-survey-and-quote

1. Free Survey & Quote

We assess roof orientation, pitch, condition and shading. Review your electricity bills and discuss your goals. You receive a detailed written quote with system design, projected generation, estimated savings and full cost breakdown.

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2. Design & DNO Application

We finalise system design and submit the G98/G99 application to Northern Powergrid. G99 approval typically takes 4-12 weeks. We handle the entire process at no additional cost.

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3. Installation Day

Takes 1-2 days. Protective sheeting, high-quality roof brackets, weatherproofed penetrations, DC cabling from roof to inverter, connection to consumer unit. Clean, methodical workmanship.

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4. Commissioning & Handover

Full system testing, inverter configuration, monitoring app setup on your phone. MCS certification, warranty documents, DNO confirmation and operating instructions all provided.

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Northern Powergrid G99 Applications

The G99 application process is a requirement for connecting generation equipment above 3.68kW per phase to the electricity grid. Northern Powergrid is the DNO for the North East and Yorkshire, and all applications go through their connections process. Many solar installers charge extra for G99 applications or leave the customer to deal with the paperwork. At ALPS Electrical, we handle the entire G99 application as part of our standard service at no additional charge.

The G99 process involves submitting detailed technical specifications of your solar and battery system to Northern Powergrid for approval. They assess whether the local grid infrastructure can support the additional generation capacity. In most residential areas of Teesside, County Durham, North Yorkshire and the wider North East, approval is straightforward. In some cases, particularly in rural areas with weaker grid connections, Northern Powergrid may require a network study, which can extend the timeline. We manage all communication with Northern Powergrid throughout the process and keep you informed at every stage.

Solar Panel Savings: What Can You Expect?

Savings depend on your roof, how much electricity you use, when you use it and your tariff. As a guide, based on a unit rate of around 26p per kWh and an export rate of 12–15p per kWh:

System Size Annual Generation Annual Savings
4kW system ~3,400 kWh per year, estimated savings and export income of £550 – £700 per year
6kW system ~5,100 kWh per year, estimated £800 – £1,000 per year
8–10kW with battery 6,800–8,500 kWh per year, estimated £1,300+ per year

Adding battery storage significantly increases how much of your solar electricity you use yourself. Without a battery, a typical household uses around 30–50% of its solar generation directly. With a battery, this rises to 70–90%, cutting how much electricity you buy from the grid.

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Our MCS Customer Commitment

We’re trustworthy
You’ll get a copy of the MCS Customer Commitment before you commit to anything
We work to the MCS standards for every technology we install
We’ll agree a clear timeline with you and let you know promptly about any delays
We complete your installation exactly as set out in your contract
We act responsibly
No pressure selling, and no misleading headline prices
Any subcontractors (such as scaffolders) are competent and properly insured
We treat your home with care, clean up after ourselves and recycle waste where possible
We keep your installation records for at least six years and protect your personal data
If a serious fault or emergency arises, we’ll prioritise it and put it right as quickly as possible
We communicate clearly
Plain English, no jargon
We explain any permissions, building regulations or network (DNO) notifications needed, and who handles them
We tell you upfront if the installation could affect an existing warranty, such as a roof warranty, and get your written agreement first
We keep you updated before, during and after your installation
Our contracts are clear
A detailed written quotation with no hidden costs or penalties
Full product details in your contract: make, model, power rating and storage capacity
Realistic, accurate performance estimates before you sign
Any deposit is reasonable, part of an agreed payment schedule, and protected
Any significant change to your design, cost or timescale is put in writing, and you have the right to cancel
Your cancellation rights are clearly explained
We give you a proper handover
A full demonstration of your system and how to get the most from it
A handover pack with key parts, safety guidance, a maintenance schedule, manuals and all warranties
Your MCS certificate and any building regs and DNO paperwork within 30 days of completion
We handle complaints properly
We acknowledge any complaint within two working days
If we can’t resolve it together, you have access to the MCS complaints process and independent Alternative Dispute Resolution

Flip through or download (…) a copy our MCS Customer Commitment.

You can also find out more information about MCS by clicking the logo below…

Alps Electrical - MCS Certified

Frequently Asked Questions

1How much do solar panels cost in the North East?

A typical 4kW residential solar panel system in the North East costs between £5,000 and £7,000 including installation and VAT at 0%. Larger systems of 6-8kW range from £7,000 to £10,000. Prices vary depending on panel brand, roof complexity and whether you add battery storage. ALPS Electrical provides free, no-obligation quotes with a full breakdown of costs and projected savings.

2How many solar panels do I need for my home?

Most UK homes need between 8 and 16 solar panels depending on electricity usage, roof size and orientation. A typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house uses around 3,500kWh per year, which can be met by a 4kW system (8-10 panels). Larger detached properties with electric vehicles or heat pumps may need 6-10kW systems (14-24 panels). We conduct a detailed survey to recommend the optimal system size for your specific needs.

3Do solar panels work in the North East and in winter?

Yes, solar panels work effectively in the North East. While the region receives less sunshine than the south of England, modern high-efficiency panels like the Jinko Tiger Neo and JA Solar panels we install generate significant electricity even on overcast days. The North East receives approximately 1,100-1,200 kWh/m² of solar irradiance annually. Winter output is lower but panels still generate electricity — pairing with battery storage ensures you maximise every unit generated.

4How long does solar panel installation take?

A standard residential solar panel installation typically takes 1-2 days. If you are adding battery storage, this may extend to 2-3 days. Commercial installations can take 1-2 weeks depending on system size. The full process from survey to switch-on usually takes 4-8 weeks, including the DNO notification or G99 application if required.

5Do I need planning permission for solar panels?

Most domestic solar panel installations fall under Permitted Development and do not require planning permission. However, you will need to apply if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or if panels will protrude more than 200mm from the roof surface. Ground-mounted arrays over 9m² also require permission. ALPS Electrical handles all planning considerations and will advise you during the survey.

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Alps Electrical installation vans in Yarm, Teesside

Why Choose ALPS Electrical For Solar Installations in Durham?

We’re a family-run business based in Yarm, with more than 500 five-star reviews across Google and Checkatrade. We’ve built our reputation as one of the most highly rated solar installers in the region through quality workmanship, transparent pricing and genuine aftercare.

Every installation is carried out by our own experienced team, never subcontracted. We film many of our installations for our YouTube channel, so you can see exactly how we work before you book. And we’re honest: if solar isn’t right for your roof, we’ll tell you, and we’ll recommend what will work instead.

Whether you’re considering a 4kW system for a terraced house or a 10kW+ system with battery storage for a detached home, we design every system around your home, your usage and your budget. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.

ALPS NEW LOGO NO SUBLINE - Transparent
  • 0% VAT on home solar installations until 31 March 2027
  • MCS certified, so you can claim Smart Export Guarantee payments
  • Owner-led survey and system design
  • Northern Powergrid G98/G99 application handled at no extra cost
  • Digital MCS certificate issued on completion
  • In-house aftercare for the life of your system
  • Fixed written price, with no surprise extras

What Our Customers Say

First Class!

"Absolutely first class from start to finish. Andy and the team were professional, tidy and took the time to explain everything. Our electricity bills have dropped by over 80% since installation. Cannot recommend ALPS highly enough."

James W. / Ingleby Barwick — Solar + Battery

10/10 Verified

Seamless!

"We chose ALPS specifically because they are Tesla Certified. The Powerwall 3 installation was seamless and the team went above and beyond with a tricky cable route. The Tesla app is brilliant — we can see exactly where our energy goes."

Sarah T. / Darlington — Tesla Powerwall

10/10 Verified

Excellent Communication!

"Quick, clean installation of our Zappi charger. The team also upgraded our consumer unit which was long overdue. Very fair pricing and excellent communication throughout. Would use ALPS again without hesitation."

Helen R. / Yarm — EV Charger

10/10 Verified

Best Tradespeople!

"ALPS installed a massive 19kW system on our property. The three-part video series on YouTube shows the quality of their work. Genuinely the best tradespeople we have ever used. Our energy bills are virtually zero now."

David P. / Stokesley — Solar + Battery

10/10 Verified

Highly Recommended!

"Andy explained everything clearly without any pressure to buy. The work was done in a day and the finish is immaculate. Highly recommended."

Karen B. / Middlesbrough — Domestic Electrician Service

10/10 Verified

Wish we had done it sooner.

"Living in North Yorkshire I was not sure solar would be worthwhile, but ALPS showed us the data and we are generating far more than expected. The battery means we use barely any grid electricity. Wish we had done it sooner."

Richard G. / Northallerton — Solar + Battery

10/10 Verified

See the Process

Why Homeowners Choose Alps Electrical | Solar, Battery & EV Experts in the North East

 

Watch our
YouTubevideos!


We film many of our installations and publish them on YouTube, so you can see the quality of our work before you book.

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Get a free, no-obligation quote from award-winning sustainability experts. MCS certified, 500+ outstanding reviews, 10/10 rated.

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Andy Pemberton (Co-Founder & Lead Electrician) & Bella Pemberton (Co-Founder & Operations Director)