Solar Panel Installers in County Durham

Finding the Right Solar Panel Installer: Your Complete 2026 Guide

Welcome to our definitive guide to installing solar panels in your county. If you're looking to take control of your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and invest in the future of your home, you're in the right place. We'll walk you through everything you need to know to find a trusted, professional installer and make your solar journey a success.

Why 2026 is the Time to Go Solar

With energy prices remaining volatile, more homeowners than ever are seeking the stability and long-term savings that solar panels provide. Generating your own clean electricity protects you from future price hikes and gives you true energy independence.

Furthermore, there is a significant, time-sensitive financial incentive to act now. The government has introduced a 0% VAT rate on the supply and installation of residential solar panel systems, but this incentive is scheduled to end on 31 March 2027, after which the rate will revert to 5%. By moving forward with your installation before this deadline, you can save thousands of pounds on the upfront cost.

STEP 1: The Non-Negotiable Mark of Quality – Understanding Installer Certifications

Before you look at a single quote or panel brand, the most important step is to understand the certifications that guarantee a quality installation. Choosing an installer isn't about price first; it's about certification first. These accreditations are not just logos on a van – they are your assurance of safety, quality, and your key to unlocking financial benefits.

• MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme): This is the gold standard for the UK's renewable energy industry. An MCS certificate is proof that your installation has been designed and fitted to the highest standards, using approved products. Crucially, obtaining an MCS certificate for your system is essential to be eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays you for the surplus electricity you send back to the grid. Without an MCS-certified installer, you cannot access the SEG. You can verify an installer's certification on the official MCS website.
• RECC and HIES (Consumer Codes): For an installer to be MCS-certified, they must also be a member of a Consumer Code approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The two main codes are the Renewable Energy Consumer Code (RECC) and the Home Insulation & Energy Systems Contractors Scheme (HIES). Membership in one of these schemes is your safety net. It ensures the company adheres to a high standard of consumer protection, including protecting your deposit and providing access to a robust dispute resolution service if anything goes wrong.
• Other Quality Marks: Look for other signs of professionalism, such as being registered with a competent person scheme like NICEIC or NAPIT for electrical work, and being a TrustMark (the government-endorsed quality scheme) registered business.

The relationship between these certifications is simple, but critical. To get paid for your exported energy (via SEG), you need an MCS certificate. To get an MCS certificate, you need an MCS-certified installer. And for an installer to be MCS-certified, they must belong to a consumer code like RECC or HIES. Therefore, your first question to any potential installer must be: “Are you MCS certified and a member of RECC or HIES?”

STEP 2: How to Compare Quotes and Choose the Best Installer

Once you have a shortlist of certified installers, we strongly recommend getting at least three detailed quotations. This isn't just to compare prices; it's to assess the quality of the company, the technology they are proposing, and their understanding of your specific needs.
Here are some key questions to ask each installer:

• Technology: What solar panel and inverter brands do you recommend for my home, and why? (Look for installers who can explain the benefits of different options, not just push one brand).
  • Popular panel brands at the moment include: SunPower, Aiko, JA Solar, Longi, Jinko, Qcells, REC, Trina, Eurener, and Viridian.
  • Popular inverter brands are: Solis, SolarEdge, Sigenergy, Solax, GivEnergy, Growatt, Enphase, and Fox.
• Warranties: What are the manufacturer's warranties on the panels and inverter? What is your own workmanship warranty? (Product warranties are typically 10-40 years, while a good workmanship warranty should be at least 2 years, preferably 5 years or more).
• Performance Estimate: Can you provide a clear performance estimate, including the projected annual generation in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the estimated savings on my bills? How does performance vary between the different types of panels?
• References: Can you provide contact details for three recent customers near me who I can speak to?
• Reputation: Check their online presence. Do they have positive reviews on independent sites like Checkatrade, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews? A lack of a profile on these platforms could be a warning sign.

Remember, the physical installation – the care taken by the team on your roof and with your electrics – is just as important as the price. A slightly higher quote from a highly-recommended local company with a proven track record is often the better long-term investment. This can help you avoid the typical pitfalls that have plagued the solar industry in the past.

STEP 3: Making Solar Pay – The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Explained

One of the most exciting benefits of installing solar panels is that you can get paid for the electricity you generate, but don't use yourself. This is made possible by the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.

Here’s how it works:

• The SEG is a government-backed initiative that requires larger electricity suppliers to pay homeowners for solar electricity they export to the National Grid.
• To be eligible, your installation must be carried out by an MCS-certified installer.
• The rates paid per kilowatt-hour (kWh) vary significantly between suppliers, so it pays to shop around for the best deal. You don’t have to use your current electricity import supplier for your SEG tariff; you can choose any SEG licensee.

Rates can range from just a few pence to over 15p per kWh, so choosing the right tariff can make a huge difference to your annual earnings. Some of the best rates are reserved for customers who also buy their import electricity from the same supplier.

2026 Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) Rate Comparison

The table below shows a sample of SEG tariffs available in 2026. Rates change frequently, so always check with the supplier for the latest offers.

Supplier	Tariff Name	Export Rate (p/kWh)	Key Condition
British Gas	Export and Earn Plus	15.1p	Variable rate. Must be a British Gas electricity import customer.
Octopus Energy	Outgoing Fixed	15p	Fixed rate. Must be an Octopus Energy electricity import customer.
ScottishPower	SmartGen Premium	12p	Variable rate. Must be a ScottishPower electricity import customer.

STEP 4: Government Support and Available Grants

Beyond the SEG, there are other government schemes designed to make switching to solar more affordable.

• 0% VAT on Solar Installations: As mentioned, the UK government has temporarily zero-rated VAT on the installation of solar panels and other energy-saving materials in residential properties. This relief is in place from 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2027, providing a significant upfront saving. Your installer will automatically apply this discount, so you don't need to do anything.
• ECO4 Scheme: The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme is a government initiative aimed at helping low-income and vulnerable households improve their home's energy efficiency. Eligible households could receive a grant that covers up to 100% of the cost of solar panel installation. Eligibility is typically based on receiving certain means-tested benefits and living in a property with a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating (usually D-G). This grant is delivered by certain energy suppliers, so the best way to check if you qualify is to speak to your energy provider or a certified installer who works with the scheme.

Ready to Start Your Solar Journey?

You now have the expert knowledge to choose a reliable solar panel installer with confidence. By focusing on certification, comparing quotes intelligently, and understanding the financial benefits, you are well on your way to generating your own clean, free electricity. And here's a quick overview of what actually happens on installation day once you've decided to go ahead.

The next step is to get in touch with trusted, local installers. Browse our curated list above to find MCS-accredited professionals ready to help you start your solar journey.