Solar panels for Durham homes
A 4.4kW solar system in Durham should produce roughly 4,136 kWh a year. That figure comes from PVGIS, the European Commission's solar model, run for Durham itself rather than a national average, at 940 kWh per kW of panels on a south facing 35 degree roof.
Output follows the seasons. In Durham the same 4.4kW system makes around 490 kWh in June and 119 kWh in December, and May is usually the strongest month. About 70% of the year's power arrives between April and September, which is why a battery matters more here in summer evenings than in the depths of winter.
Which roofs work best in Durham
Roof direction changes the numbers more than the town does. An east and west split roof in Durham would make about 3,392 kWh from the same ten panels, roughly 18% less than south, but it spreads generation across the morning and evening when most families are home. North facing roofs are rarely worth covering at normal pitches.
What you could save
At the current price cap of 26.32p per kWh and 12p for exported power, we estimate a Durham home saves about £640 a year with panels alone, or about £783 with a 5.8kWh battery that stores the afternoon surplus for the evening. On our fixed prices that is a simple payback of around 10.2 years for panels and 11.9 years with a battery, before any energy price rises or cheaper overnight battery charging.
| System in Durham | Makes a year | Est. saving | Fixed price | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4kW solar | 4,136 kWh | £640 | £6,495 | 10.2 years |
| 4.4kW solar + 5.8kWh battery | 4,136 kWh | £783 | £9,295 | 11.9 years |
| 6.2kW solar + 10kWh battery | 5,828 kWh | £986 | £12,495 | 12.7 years |
Solar panel prices in Durham
Government MCS data for 2025/26 puts the average cost of a 4 to 10kW system in North East at £1,540 per kW. Our 4.4kW package works out at £1,476 per kW, fully installed with scaffolding and 0% VAT, and the price on your quote is fixed once we have surveyed the roof.
Planning permission in Durham
Most homes in Durham do not need planning permission for roof panels. Under permitted development rules they can be fitted as long as they sit no more than 200mm proud of the roof and stay below the ridge. The exceptions are listed buildings and, in conservation areas, walls facing a road. The local planning authority is County Durham Council; if your home is listed or in a conservation area we check with them before quoting.
Your local install team
Our North East install team covers Durham and the towns around it, including Sunderland, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne. Surveys are usually booked within seven days, and a typical install takes one to two days once the scaffold is up.
Want to see the full process first? Read how an installation works, check the planning rules in detail or compare solar and battery packages.
