With renewable energy gaining popularity in the UK, more Durham residents are considering solar panels for their homes. Solar panels not only help reduce electricity bills but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Below, you’ll find a list of the top three solar panel installers covering Durham and the surrounding areas, each known for its excellent service, reliability, and expertise.
Top 3 Recommendations for Solar Panels in Durham
Durham Solar Panels
4.8
Durham Solar Panels ranks as the top installer in the area. Specializing in all-in-one solar panel installation services, they manage every step from initial consultations and system design to installation and ongoing maintenance. Being local experts, they’re familiar with Durham’s unique requirements, such as navigating planning permissions in conservation areas. Durham Solar Panels is particularly known for their quick, transparent services and offers energy storage solutions, helping customers maximize their savings.
Key Services:
- Residential and Commercial Solar Installations: They work with homeowners, businesses, and schools to create custom solar solutions.
- Battery Storage Solutions: They install battery storage systems that allow households to store excess energy for later use, further increasing savings.
- Site Assessments and Custom Designs: They offer free consultations and customized system designs based on your home’s energy needs and roof configuration.
- Free quotes
- Quick turnaround
- Recommeneded installer
- On roof & in roof panels
- Our top pick
- County Durham wide
Northumberland Solar
4.7
Northumberland Solar serves Durham and is known for providing solar panels that work efficiently in the UK’s climate. They focus on high-efficiency solar panel systems and offer expert advice on equipment options to ensure optimal performance. Northumberland Solar is highly rated for their customer support and offers a range of maintenance packages, making them a top choice for long-term solar solutions.
Key Services:
- Customizable Solar Panel Installations: They design systems based on specific home or business requirements, ensuring each client gets the best possible performance.
- Maintenance Packages: With several maintenance plans, they keep systems in optimal condition through regular checks and efficiency reports.
- System Monitoring and Reports: Many of their systems come with monitoring software that allows clients to track energy production in real-time.
- County Durham wide
- Also service Northumberland
- Custom installs
- Maintenance package
- System monitoring
- Free quotes with quick response times.
Solar Panels North East
4.6
For those looking for a balance between affordability and quality, Solar Panels North East is a great choice. Known for competitive pricing and comprehensive service options, they work with trusted brands and provide versatile solar options. Solar Panels North East also offers financing plans and can assist with grant applications, making solar more accessible to Durham residents.
Key Services:
- Installation and Repairs: They install new systems and provide repair services to keep them working at peak efficiency.
- Energy-Efficient Upgrades: They offer additional energy solutions, like energy-efficient lighting, to help households reduce energy consumption.
- Financing Options: With their guidance on grants and flexible financing, Solar Panels North East makes going solar more budget-friendly.
- North East coverage
- Free quotations
- Satellite surveys
- Quick turnaround times
- Fully bespoke packages
- Family company
Solar Panel Planning Permission: Durham’s Conservation Areas
When installing solar panels in Durham, properties outside of conservation areas don’t require planning permission, provided the installation meets basic guidelines. Panels shouldn’t protrude above the roofline or be installed on roofs that are visible from the main road. However, homes within Durham’s historic conservation areas may have more specific requirements to preserve the region’s architectural character.
Durham County Council designates conservation areas to protect buildings and landscapes with historic or architectural significance. If you live in one of these areas, you might need to obtain planning permission before installing solar panels. In general, you’ll be asked to ensure the panels are unobtrusive and harmonize with the surrounding architecture.
For most County Durham residents, this doesn’t pose an issue, as many live outside conservation zones. However, if you live within a conservation area, it’s wise to consult the council’s planning department to make sure your installation aligns with any specific regulations. A professional installer can also assist by providing detailed system plans that comply with local guidelines.
How to Know if You Need Planning Permission
Outside Conservation Areas: Most installations qualify for permitted development, so planning permission is typically not required. Your installer will ensure that your system meets these conditions.
Within Conservation Areas: Planning permission is almost always necessary. You’ll need to submit an application to Durham County Council’s planning department, who will review your proposal to make sure the panels blend with the historic surroundings. The council generally approves systems that are discreetly placed, such as on the rear side of the roof or with minimal visual impact.
Solar Panel Installation – How It Works
Switching to solar involves a straightforward process managed entirely by your installer. Here’s what to expect:
- Site Assessment
The installer will assess your roof’s suitability for solar panels, looking at its size, shading, orientation, and the amount of sunlight it receives. If your roof isn’t ideal, they may suggest alternative options, such as ground-mounted systems. - System Design
Based on the assessment, they’ll design a system that meets your home’s energy needs. This includes choosing the right panels, inverters, and battery storage options. - Installation
The panels and related equipment are mounted to your roof. This step typically takes a day or two, depending on the complexity of the system. - Grid Connection
After installation, your system will be connected to the electricity grid. This allows you to export any excess electricity generated by your system back to the grid, potentially earning you extra income or credits on your energy bills. - Monitoring
Many systems include monitoring options, allowing you to track energy production and identify potential efficiency improvements.
Skip Hire Near Durham – FAQ
Yes! Despite Durham’s overcast days, modern solar panels are highly efficient and can generate electricity even in low light. Solar technology has advanced, so it’s effective even in cloudy weather. Durham’s yearly sunlight hours are sufficient to make solar installations a worthwhile investment.
Savings vary depending on energy usage, panel efficiency, and whether you have battery storage. For the average Durham household consuming around 3,500 kWh per year, switching to solar can save anywhere from £300 to £500 annually on electricity bills. With battery storage, these savings can increase as you can store and use excess power rather than buying from the grid.
The number of panels depends on your household’s energy needs and your roof’s size. On average, a typical UK household needs about 10-15 panels for full energy coverage. An installer will tailor recommendations based on your specific energy use and available roof space.
Yes, they can. Many homeowners prefer placing panels on the back of the roof for aesthetic reasons. South-facing installations are ideal, but east and west-facing roofs are also viable. Many homes in Durham use these alternative orientations effectively, depending on sunlight exposure.
South-facing roofs are most effective for solar power in the UK, but east and west-facing roofs also perform well. North-facing installations, however, are not recommended due to limited sunlight exposure. A professional assessment will determine the best setup for your roof’s orientation.
The cost of an 8-panel solar installation in Durham typically ranges from £5,000 to £8,000, depending on the type of panels, roof structure, and additional components such as inverters or mounting hardware. This setup usually generates enough power to cover a portion of a medium-sized household’s electricity needs, and your installer can help calculate expected savings based on your specific energy use.
Most standard solar panel installations, including an 8-panel setup, take 1 to 2 days to complete. Larger or more complex systems may take longer, but installers generally aim to minimize disruption and complete the job as quickly and efficiently as possible.