Solar Panel Installation Across the North East
MCS certified, award-winning installation by ALPS Electrical. 250+ five-star reviews on Checkatrade.
How Solar Panels Work
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells made from semiconductor materials, typically silicon. When photons from sunlight strike these cells, they knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this DC electricity into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity your home appliances use.
Modern solar panels are remarkably efficient even in overcast conditions. The panels we install from Jinko, JA Solar and Aiko use half-cut cell technology and multi-busbar designs that maximise energy capture across the full light spectrum. This means your system generates electricity on cloudy days too, not just when the sun is blazing. In the North East, a well-designed solar PV system will generate the majority of its annual output between March and October, with meaningful generation even through the winter months.
A typical residential system consists of 8 to 16 panels mounted on your roof, a solar inverter (either string or hybrid), and optionally a battery storage system. The electricity generated powers your home first. Any surplus can be exported to the grid for a payment via the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), or stored in a battery for use in the evening when your panels are no longer generating.
Why Install Solar Panels in the North East?
There is a persistent myth that solar panels are only worthwhile in the south of England. This is simply not true. The North East receives approximately 1,100 to 1,200 kWh per square metre of solar irradiance annually. While this is around 10 to 15 percent less than the south coast, modern high-efficiency panels more than compensate for the difference. The cooler temperatures in the North East actually benefit solar panel performance, as panels operate more efficiently in cooler conditions than in extreme heat.
The financial case for solar in the North East is compelling. Electricity prices have risen dramatically since 2021 and remain well above historical averages. Every unit of electricity you generate and use yourself is a unit you do not have to buy from the grid. A typical 4kW system saves between 800 and 1,200 pounds per year on electricity bills, and larger systems paired with battery storage can save even more. With electricity prices forecast to continue rising, these savings grow year on year.
0% VAT on Residential Solar
Since April 2022, residential solar panel installations in the UK benefit from 0% VAT. This applies to the panels, inverter, battery storage, and installation labour. The zero-rate VAT is confirmed until at least March 2027, making now an excellent time to invest. For a system that might cost 8,000 pounds, this represents a saving of 1,600 pounds compared to the old 20% VAT rate.
Smart Export Guarantee
When your solar panels generate more electricity than you are using, the surplus is exported to the national grid. Under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), your energy supplier pays you for every unit exported. Export rates vary between suppliers, with the best tariffs currently offering 12 to 15 pence per kWh. Some tariffs like Octopus Flux offer even higher rates during peak export periods. We help every customer understand their export options and choose the most advantageous tariff.
The Panels and Inverters We Install
Solar Panels
We exclusively install tier-1 solar panels from manufacturers with proven track records and robust warranties. Our primary panel brands are Jinko Tiger Neo, JA Solar, and Aiko. The Jinko Tiger Neo is one of the world's best-selling panels, offering up to 22.3% efficiency with excellent low-light performance and a 30-year product warranty. JA Solar panels provide outstanding value with efficiencies up to 21.8% and have consistently ranked among the top global manufacturers. Aiko panels represent the cutting edge of solar technology, using back-contact (BC) cell architecture to achieve efficiencies above 23%, making them ideal where roof space is limited.
Inverters
The inverter is the brain of your solar system, converting DC power from your panels into usable AC electricity. We install inverters from FOX ESS, Solis, SolarEdge, GivEnergy, and Sigenergy. Each brand has its strengths. FOX ESS hybrid inverters are excellent value with reliable performance and a user-friendly app. SolarEdge uses power optimisers on each panel for maximum output on shaded or complex roofs. GivEnergy offers a complete ecosystem of inverter, battery, and energy management. Sigenergy provides a premium all-in-one solution with outstanding build quality.
During your survey, we assess your roof layout, shading conditions, electricity usage patterns, and future plans such as adding an EV charger or heat pump. This allows us to recommend the optimal panel and inverter combination for your property.
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.
Step 1: Free Survey and Quote
We visit your property to assess your roof orientation, pitch, condition, and any shading from trees or neighbouring buildings. We review your electricity bills to understand your usage patterns and discuss your goals for the system. You receive a detailed written quote with system design, projected generation figures, estimated savings, and a clear breakdown of all costs.
Step 2: Design and DNO Application
Once you confirm your order, we finalise the system design and submit the necessary application to Northern Powergrid, your local Distribution Network Operator (DNO). For systems with a total inverter capacity up to 3.68kW per phase, a simple G98 notification is required. For larger systems, which includes most residential solar and battery installations, a full G99 application is submitted. We handle the entire G99 process on your behalf at no additional cost. G99 approval typically takes 4 to 12 weeks.
Step 3: Installation Day
A standard solar panel installation takes one to two days. Our team arrives on time, lays protective sheeting to keep your property clean, and works methodically through the installation. Panels are mounted on high-quality roof brackets designed for the UK climate, with all penetrations fully weatherproofed. DC cabling runs from the roof to your inverter location, typically in the garage or utility area. The inverter, isolators, and generation meter are installed, and the system is connected to your consumer unit.
Step 4: Commissioning and Handover
We thoroughly test the entire system, configure your inverter settings, and set up the monitoring app on your phone. You receive a full handover including MCS certification, warranty documents, DNO commissioning confirmation, and operating instructions. We walk you through your monitoring app so you can track generation, consumption, and savings in real time.
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 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?
Your savings depend on several factors: system size, electricity usage, how much solar electricity you use directly versus export, your export tariff rate, and whether you have battery storage. As a guide, here are typical annual savings for homes in the North East:
A 4kW system generating approximately 3,400 kWh per year saves around 800 to 1,000 pounds annually when combined with moderate self-consumption and an export tariff. A 6kW system generating approximately 5,100 kWh per year typically saves 1,000 to 1,400 pounds. Larger 8 to 10kW systems, particularly when paired with battery storage and an EV, can save 1,500 pounds or more per year.
Adding battery storage significantly increases your self-consumption rate. Without a battery, a typical household uses around 30 to 50 percent of their solar generation directly. With a battery, this rises to 70 to 90 percent, dramatically reducing grid imports and maximising the value of every unit generated.
MCS Certification: Why It Matters
ALPS Electrical is MCS certified, which is the industry standard for renewable energy installations in the UK. MCS certification is not optional for quality-conscious installers. It means every installation we complete meets rigorous standards for design, equipment, and workmanship. MCS certification is also a requirement for your system to be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee, which pays you for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Without MCS certification from your installer, you cannot receive export payments.
Our MCS certification is complemented by NAPIT registration (for electrical competency), TrustMark accreditation (for consumer protection), and our status as a Tesla Certified Installer. This full accreditation stack gives you complete peace of mind that your installation meets the highest standards in the industry.
Why Choose ALPS Electrical for Solar Installation?
We are a family-run business based in Yarm, Teesside, with over 250 five-star reviews on Checkatrade and a perfect 10 out of 10 rating. We are one of the most highly rated solar installers in the North East, and we have earned that reputation through consistent quality, transparent pricing, and exceptional aftercare.
Every installation is carried out by our own experienced team, never subcontracted. We document many of our installations on our YouTube channel, giving you full transparency into our workmanship and the systems we install. We provide genuine aftercare support, answering questions and helping with monitoring long after your installation is complete.
Whether you are considering a small 4kW system for a terraced house or a large 10kW+ system with battery storage for a detached property, we design every system to maximise your return on investment. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how much you could save with solar panels from ALPS Electrical.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The typical payback period for solar panels in the UK is 6-9 years based on current electricity prices. With battery storage enabling you to use more of your own generated electricity, payback can be faster. After the payback period, you enjoy free electricity for the remaining 20+ years of the panel warranty. Factors affecting payback include system size, electricity usage patterns, export tariff rates and whether you have an EV or heat pump.
Solar panels remain an excellent investment in 2026. With 0% VAT on residential solar, electricity prices remaining significantly higher than pre-2022 levels, and panel efficiency continuing to improve, the financial case is strong. A typical system saves £800-£1,200 per year on electricity bills, with additional income from export tariffs. Factor in rising electricity prices and the payback period continues to shorten.
We install premium tier-1 solar panels including Jinko Tiger Neo, JA Solar and Aiko. For inverters, we are approved installers for FOX ESS, Solis, SolarEdge, GivEnergy and Sigenergy. We select the best combination for each installation based on roof layout, shading, budget and performance requirements. All brands we use come with manufacturer warranties of 25-30 years on panels.
Yes, we can arrange finance options to spread the cost of your solar installation. Finance is subject to status and terms. Contact us for current finance rates and options. Many customers find that monthly finance payments are less than their previous electricity bills, making solar effectively cash-positive from day one.
Solar panels require minimal maintenance. An annual visual inspection and occasional cleaning (if panels become dirty from bird droppings, pollen or tree sap) is usually sufficient. Inverters may need replacement after 10-15 years. We offer maintenance packages including panel cleaning, system health checks, inverter diagnostics and bird proofing. We also service systems installed by other companies.