Solar & Battery Storage
Solar PVMCS certified panels designed around your roof Battery StorageStore solar or cheap off-peak power SigenergyAll-in-one solar, battery and EV charging Tesla PowerwallCertified Tesla Powerwall installer Fox ESSModular home battery systems Commercial SolarRooftop PV sized to daytime demand
Solar Panel Installation in Teesside, County Durham & North Yorkshire
MCS certified solar panels, designed and installed by our own local team
Solar PV is our bread and butter. From our base in Yarm, we design and install solar panel systems for homes across Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington, Durham, Northallerton, Stokesley and the surrounding areas. Every installation includes a local survey, our own installation team, never subcontracted, and in-house aftercare. We fit high-efficiency N-type panels matched to the right inverter for your roof, and we film many of our installations so you can see the quality of our work before you book. Check out our YouTube channel.
Quick answer
How much do solar panels cost in 2026?
Solar panels have come down a lot in price, and today’s panels are more efficient than ever, with modern N-type and half-cut cell technology. We only fit top-tier brands.
A typical home solar installation costs between £7,000 and £10,000 fully fitted, depending on the number of panels and how complex the installation is.
- 3.6–4kW system (8–10 panels): around £7,000. Ideal for smaller roofs, and usually quicker to install, as we can simply notify Northern Powergrid after installation.
- 6kW system: £7,000–£10,000. Suits larger homes, or homes with an electric car or heat pump.
Prices include MCS certification, scaffolding and the Northern Powergrid application, and home solar is zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. We provide fixed written prices, and most installations take one to two days. Adding a battery? See our battery storage prices.
How Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels turn daylight into electricity, and an inverter converts it into the type of power your home uses. Your home uses the solar electricity first. Any surplus can be stored in a battery for the evening or exported to the grid for payment through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).
Modern panels still generate on cloudy days. In our area, most of a system’s annual output comes between March and October, with lower but still useful generation through the winter.
How does solar panels perform during winter?
Check out this video by our director Andy who goes into detail about how his own panels performed during a North-East winter.
Is Solar Worth It in the North East and North Yorkshire?
There’s a common myth that solar panels only make sense in the south of England. In reality, a well-designed system in our area typically generates only around 15–20% less than the same system on the south coast. Modern high-efficiency panels make up much of that difference, and panels actually work more efficiently in cooler temperatures.
850–950
Generated per kW of panels each year*
15–20%
Less than the south coast*
Cooler = Better
Panels more efficient in cool temps
Every unit of solar electricity you use yourself is one you don’t have to buy from the grid. Electricity prices have risen sharply since 2021 and remain well above where they were before. As a guide, a typical 4kW system in our area could save and earn around £550–£700 a year through lower bills and export payments.* Add a battery and you can use far more of what you generate, and even charge it overnight on a cheaper tariff to power your home when prices are higher.
Disclaimer
*Typical estimates for a south-facing, unshaded roof, based on published MCS and industry data, an electricity price of around 26p per kWh and an export rate of 12–15p per kWh (September 2026). Actual generation and savings depend on your roof, location, energy usage and tariff. Your quote will include a personalised estimate for your home.
Equipment We Install
Solar Panels
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
Outstanding value with efficiencies up to 21.8%. Consistently ranked among the top global manufacturers.
Top-tier reliability
Aiko
Back-contact (BC) cell architecture achieving efficiencies above 23%. Ideal where roof space is limited.
Cutting-edge technology
Inverters
The inverter is the brain of your solar system. It converts the DC power from your panels into AC power, the electricity used in homes and businesses. We install inverters from Fox ESS, Solis, SolarEdge, Tesla and Sigenergy, and each has its strengths:
- Fox ESS hybrid inverters offer excellent value, reliable performance and a user-friendly app.
- Solis inverters are a dependable, great-value choice for straightforward solar systems.
- SolarEdge uses optimisers on each panel to get the most from shaded or complex roofs.
- Tesla’s Powerwall 3 has a solar inverter built in, with smart software that uses solar and weather forecasts to decide when to charge and use your battery.
- Sigenergy is a premium all-in-one system combining the inverter, battery and AI-powered energy management, with outstanding build quality and a flexible modular stackable design.
It really is a minefield of information, and our job is to cut through the noise and recommend the system that’s right for your home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Real solar installation 1
Consett, County Durham: 14.25kW solar with 36kWh Sigenergy SigenStor battery storage and full home backup
This customer originally wanted a Tesla Powerwall 3. But he also wanted solar panels on four different roof faces, each facing a different direction, and every roof face needs its own solar input on the inverter (known as an MPPT) to perform at its best. The Powerwall 3 has three, while the Sigenergy system has four, so we recommended Sigenergy to get the most from every panel.
We installed 14.25kW of solar and 36kWh of Sigenergy SigenStor battery storage with full home backup. We also worked with Northern Powergrid on the grid application and secured a better outcome for the customer.
Real solar installation 2
Thornton-le-Moor, North Yorkshire: 6.44kW solar and 27kWh Tesla Powerwall 3 storage added to an existing FIT system
This was a tricky one. The customer already had an older solar system on the Feed-in Tariff (FIT), which had to stay untouched so their FIT payments weren’t affected. But they also wanted their new batteries to store energy from both the old and new solar systems.
We installed a new 6.44kW solar system on their slate roof, a Tesla Powerwall 3 with an expansion pack, and a myenergi Zappi EV charger. We then configured everything so both solar systems charge the batteries, while the original FIT system and its payments stay protected.
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…
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
Usually not. In England, most home rooftop solar installations fall under permitted development, so they do not need planning permission. The main exceptions are listed buildings, and some properties in conservation areas, particularly where panels would face a road. We will check this for you at the survey.
Will solar panels work on an east- or west-facing roof?
Yes. South-facing roofs generate the most, but east- and west-facing roofs still perform well, and they spread generation more evenly across the morning and evening. North-facing roofs generate noticeably less, and we will tell you honestly at the survey whether solar is worthwhile for your roof.
How much will my solar panels generate in winter?
Much less than in summer. Most of your annual generation comes between March and October, and in December and January output can be a small fraction of what you would see in June. Our quotes show estimated generation for your roof so you know what to expect all year.
Real customer example — 4.9kW array
285 kWh
Generated in January
803 kWh
Generated in July
How much will I be paid for exporting electricity?
Through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), energy suppliers pay you for the solar electricity you send to the grid. Rates vary a lot between suppliers and tariffs, so it is worth shopping around, and we can talk you through the options.
Can I add a battery later?
Yes. Batteries can be added to most solar systems at a later date. If you think you will want one, we can fit a battery-ready hybrid inverter from the start, which usually makes adding a battery later simpler and cheaper.
Will birds nest under my solar panels?
Pigeons can nest under panels on some roofs. We always fit bird-proofing around the edge of the panels during installation to prevent it as standard, and would never recommend having solar panels installed without adding bird-proofing solutions.
Why Choose ALPS Electrical For Solar Installations?
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.
- 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
See the Process
Why Homeowners Choose Alps Electrical | Solar, Battery & EV Experts in the North East
Watch our
videos!
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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