Are Solar Panels Worth It In the North East of England?

Considering solar panels for your home or business in the North East of England? You’re not alone. With energy prices soaring and a push towards greener living, many homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners in areas like Tyne and Wear, Newcastle, and Durham are exploring solar energy. 

But is the North East of England good for solar panels? This blog post dives deep into the region’s solar potential, costs, suitable system sizes, and available grants to help you make an informed decision. 

For tailored advice and a free quote, contact Future Heat, your local solar panel installation experts in the North East.

Why Is the North East of England Suitable for Solar Panels?

The North East of England, encompassing areas like Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham, may not be the sunniest region in the UK, but it’s still a viable location for solar energy. 

According to the Energy Saving Trust, solar panels don’t require constant sunshine to generate electricity, just daylight. The region’s climate, with its mix of cloudy and clear days, supports solar power production effectively. 

Data from the Global Solar Atlas shows that the North East has a photovoltaic (PV) power potential of around 900–1,000 kWh per kWp annually, slightly below the UK’s sunniest regions like the South East but sufficient for significant energy savings.

How Does Solar Irradiance in the North East Compare?

Solar irradiance, the amount of sunlight available for panels to convert into electricity, varies across the UK. The North East receives approximately 2.5–3 kWh/m² per day, compared to 3–3.5 kWh/m² in southern England.

Despite this, modern solar panels are highly efficient, capturing diffuse light on cloudy days. According to Solar Energy UK, 5.4% of homes in the North East have solar panels, above the national average, indicating strong local viability.

Are North East Roofs Suitable for Solar Panels?

Roof orientation and condition are key to solar panel performance. South-facing roofs are ideal, producing up to 20% more energy than east or west-facing ones, per the Energy Saving Trust. North-facing roofs are less suitable but can work with optimisers to mitigate shading. Most North East properties, detached houses, semis, flats, or conservatories can accommodate panels if the roof is unshaded and structurally sound. 

A minimum of 10–20 m² of roof space is recommended for a standard system.

How Can Solar Panels Benefit North East Homeowners and Landlords?

Solar panels offer multiple advantages:

• Energy Bill Savings: Reduce bills by £300–£600 annually, per the Energy Saving Trust.
• Property Value Increase: Solar Energy UK reports a potential 2–14% increase in property value.
• Energy Independence: Generate your own electricity, reducing reliance on volatile grid prices.
• Environmental Impact: Cut carbon emissions, aligning with the UK’s net-zero goals.
• Landlord Benefits: Meet EPC rating C requirements by 2028, attract eco-conscious tenants, and benefit from SEG payments.

What Are the Costs of Solar Panels in the North East of England?

The cost of solar panels in the North East varies based on system size, panel quality, and installation complexity. 

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical 3.5 kW system for a three-bedroom home costs £7,000–£10,000, including installation. Below is a pricing table for different property types in the North East.

These costs are before grants or incentives. To get an accurate quote tailored to your property, contact Future Heat for a free assessment in Tyne and Wear and beyond.

What Factors Influence Solar Panel Costs?

Costs depend on:

• Panel Efficiency: Higher-efficiency panels (e.g., monocrystalline) cost more but generate more power in limited space.

• Installation Complexity: Older roofs or those requiring structural upgrades increase costs.

• Additional Equipment: Battery storage (£5,000–£8,000) or solar diverters (£800) add to expenses but enhance savings.

• Location: North East installers like Future Heat offer competitive pricing due to local expertise.

What Are the Best Solar Panel System Sizes for North East Properties?

Choosing the right system size depends on your property type, energy consumption, and roof space. Below are recommendations based on UK government guidelines and installer data.

For Flats

Flats in the North East, common in urban areas like Newcastle, typically require 2–3 kW systems. These generate 1,800–2,700 kWh annually, covering basic electricity needs for 1–2 occupants. Roof space is often limited, so high-efficiency panels are ideal.

For Semi-Detached and Detached Homes

A 3.5–4 kW system suits most semi-detached or detached homes (3–4 bedrooms), producing 2,500–3,500 kWh per year.

This meets the average household’s electricity demand of 2,900 kWh, per Ofgem. Larger detached homes may benefit from 5 kW systems for higher consumption or electric heating.

For Conservatories 

Conservatories can support small 1–2 kW systems, ideal for powering appliances or charging electric vehicles. Their glass roofs require specialised lightweight panels, increasing costs slightly. A professional assessment from Future Heat ensures compatibility.

For Commercial Properties?

Commercial buildings, such as offices or warehouses in Tyne and Wear, often need 5–10 kW systems, generating 4,500–9,000 kWh annually. These suit businesses with high energy demands, like manufacturing units. 

Solar Together’s group-buying scheme can reduce costs for commercial installations.

What Are the Best Solar Panels for the North East?

Choosing the right solar panels for your property in the North East of England, whether in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, or Durham, is crucial for maximising energy production and savings. 

The region’s climate, with its mix of cloudy days and moderate sunlight, demands panels that perform well in diffuse light and cooler temperatures. 

According to the Energy Saving Trust, high-efficiency panels are ideal for the North East’s conditions. 

Below, we explore the best solar panel types and brands suited for the region, ensuring homeowners, landlords, and businesses make informed choices. For a tailored recommendation, request a free solar panel quote from Future Heat.

Which Panel Types Perform Best in the North East?

Two main types of solar panels dominate the market: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Here’s how they fare in the North East:

• Monocrystalline Panels: These are made from a single silicon crystal, offering higher efficiency (15–22%) and better performance in low-light conditions, which is ideal for the North East’s cloudy weather.
  
  They’re pricier but generate more power per square metre, making them suitable for smaller roofs like those on flats or conservatories. Brands like SunPower and LG are top choices, per Solar Energy UK.

• Polycrystalline Panels: Made from multiple silicon crystals, these are less efficient (13–16%) but more affordable. They work well for larger roofs on detached homes or commercial properties where space isn’t a constraint. Jinko Solar and Trina Solar offer reliable polycrystalline options.

Monocrystalline panels are generally recommended for the North East due to their efficiency in diffuse light, but budget-conscious buyers may opt for polycrystalline panels, according to the UK government’s solar guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/solar-panel-grants).

What Are the Top Solar Panel Brands for the North East?

Several brands stand out for their performance, durability, and warranties, making them ideal for the North East’s climate:

• SunPower Maxeon: Known for efficiencies up to 22.8%, SunPower panels excel in low-light conditions and come with a 25-year product and performance warranty. Ideal for urban homes in Newcastle with limited roof space.

• LG NeON: With efficiencies of 19–21%, LG panels are robust against the North East’s wet weather and offer a 25-year warranty. Their compact design suits flats and conservatories.

• JA Solar: A cost-effective monocrystalline option with 19–20% efficiency, suitable for semi-detached homes or larger commercial installations in Tyne and Wear.

• Qcells: These panels balance cost and performance (18–20% efficiency) and are popular for their durability in the UK’s variable weather, per Solar Energy UK.

How Do Panel Features Enhance Performance in the North East?

Certain features improve panel performance in the North East:

• Anti-Reflective Coatings: These enhance light absorption on cloudy days, boosting output by 2–3%.

• Bifacial Panels: These capture light from both sides, ideal for reflective surfaces like conservatory roofs, increasing energy yield by up to 10%..

• Temperature Coefficient: Panels like SunPower have a low temperature coefficient (-0.29%/°C), meaning they lose less efficiency in the North East’s cooler climate.

For businesses or landlords, panels with integrated microinverters or power optimisers (e.g., SolarEdge systems) mitigate shading issues common in urban areas like Sunderland, ensuring maximum output.

How to Choose the Right Panels for Your Property?

• Flats: Opt for high-efficiency monocrystalline panels (e.g., LG NeON) to maximise output in limited space.

• Homes: Semi-detached or detached homes benefit from mid-range monocrystalline panels like JA Solar for cost-effectiveness.

• Conservatories: Lightweight, high-efficiency panels or bifacial options suit glass roofs, but professional assessment from Future Heat is essential.

• Commercial Properties: Larger polycrystalline or monocrystalline systems (e.g., Qcells) handle high energy demands.

For a bespoke solution, Future Heat’s experts can assess your property’s needs and recommend panels that align with your budget and energy goals in the North East.

What Solar Panel Grants Are Available in the North East?

Grants and incentives make solar panels more affordable for homeowners, landlords, and businesses. Below are key schemes available in 2025, per UK government and industry sources.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Scheme

The ECO4 scheme targets low-income households (under £31,000 annually) or those receiving benefits like Universal Credit. It offers up to £14,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, including free or subsidised solar panels. 

Homes must have an EPC rating of D–G and use electric heating. Tenants need landlord permission. 

Warm Homes Plan 

Launching in Spring 2025, the Warm Homes Plan provides up to £30,000 for low-income households, renters, and social housing tenants in England. It funds solar panels to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions. 

Eligibility includes social housing residents or those referred by local authorities. Contact your council or visit GOV.UK for details.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), active since 2020, pays for surplus electricity exported to the grid. Rates vary (1p–30p per kWh, averaging 10.8p), boosting savings by £80–£170 annually. 

A smart meter and MCS-certified system are required. Landlords and businesses can also benefit.

Zero VAT Incentives

Until March 2027, a 0% VAT rate applies to solar panel and battery storage installations, saving up to £2,850 on a 4 kW system.

Regional Grants 

Local councils in the North East may offer additional grants via the Home Upgrade Grant (£5,000–£10,000) for off-gas-grid homes with EPC ratings D–G. Solar Together’s group-buying scheme operates in select areas, reducing costs by 20–30%. 

For businesses, the Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund offers up to £1 million for solar projects.

How Can You Maximise Solar Output in the North East?

Maximising solar panel output in the North East of England, including areas like Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, and Durham, is key to boosting energy savings and reducing bills. 

The region’s moderate sunlight and frequent cloudy days require strategic choices in equipment and setup to ensure optimal performance. 

By integrating solar battery storage, efficient inverters, and other technologies, homeowners, landlords, and businesses can enhance their solar systems’ efficiency. According to the Energy Saving Trust, optimising your setup can increase energy self-consumption by up to 50%. 

For expert guidance and a free quote to maximise your solar output, contact Future Heat, specialists in solar installations across the North East.

Invest in Solar Battery Storage 

Solar battery storage allows you to store excess electricity generated during the day for use at night or during peak demand, reducing reliance on the grid. 

In the North East, where daylight hours vary seasonally, batteries are particularly valuable. A typical 4 kWh battery, like the Tesla Powerwall or GivEnergy, costs £5,000–£8,000 and can store enough energy to power a three-bedroom home in the evening, per Solar Energy UK. 

This increases self-consumption from 30% to 70–80%, saving an additional £200–£400 annually on bills, according to Ofgem (https://www.ofgem.gov.uk).

• Best for Flats: Compact batteries (2–4 kWh) suit flats with lower energy needs.
• Homes: A 5–7 kWh battery is ideal for semi-detached or detached homes in Newcastle.
• Commercial Properties: Larger systems (10 kWh+) cater to high-demand businesses in Tyne and Wear.

Inverters 

Inverters convert the direct current (DC) from solar panels into usable alternating current (AC). In the North East’s variable weather, choosing the right inverter is crucial for efficiency:

• String Inverters: Cost-effective (£800–£1,500) and suitable for unshaded roofs on detached homes. Brands like SMA and Fronius are reliable, per the Energy Saving Trust.

• Microinverters: Ideal for urban areas like Sunderland, where shading from buildings is common. They optimise each panel individually, costing £50–£100 per panel but boosting output by 10–20%.

• Power Optimisers: A hybrid option, paired with string inverters (e.g., SolarEdge), they mitigate shading issues and are perfect for conservatories or flats with partial shade.

For complex roofs, Future Heat can recommend the best inverter setup to maximise your system’s performance.

Solar Diverters

Solar diverters redirect excess solar energy to appliances like immersion heaters or electric vehicle chargers, increasing self-consumption. A diverter, such as the myenergi Eddi, costs around £800 and can save £100–£200 annually by heating water for free, according to Solar Energy UK. 

This is particularly useful for North East homes with electric heating, common in off-gas-grid areas.

What Installation Factors Improve Output?

To maximise solar output in the North East:

• Optimal Roof Angle and Orientation: South-facing roofs at a 30–40° pitch capture the most daylight. East or west-facing roofs work but produce 15–20% less, per the Energy Saving Trust.

• Regular Maintenance: Cleaning panels every 1–2 years (£100–£200) prevents dirt buildup, which can reduce efficiency by 5–10%.

• Shading Mitigation: Use microinverters or power optimisers in urban areas like Newcastle to counter shading from trees or buildings.

• Panel Placement: Avoid obstructions like chimneys. For conservatories, lightweight panels ensure structural integrity while maximising output.

Are There Additional Technologies to Consider?

• Smart Energy Management Systems: Systems like myenergi or Growatt monitor energy usage and prioritise solar power, saving an extra £50–£100 annually.

• Export Tariffs: Enrol in the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) to earn 1p–30p per kWh for surplus energy, increasing returns by £80–£170 per year.

• Bifacial Panels: These capture reflected light, boosting output by up to 10% on reflective surfaces like conservatory roofs.

By combining these technologies, North East property owners can significantly enhance their solar system’s efficiency. Contact Future Heat for a professional assessment to optimise your solar setup for maximum output and savings.

FAQs

Is planning permission required for solar panels in the North East?

Most residential solar installations in the North East don’t require planning permission if panels are below 200mm in height and don’t protrude beyond the roofline. However, listed buildings or conservation areas may need approval.

How long do solar panels last in the North East’s climate?

Solar panels typically last 25–30 years. The North East’s cooler, wetter climate doesn’t significantly impact durability, as panels are designed for UK weather. Regular cleaning ensures optimal performance.

Can I install solar panels on a rented property in the North East?

Yes, tenants can install solar panels with landlord permission. The ECO4 scheme and Warm Homes Plan support renters, covering installation costs if eligible. Discuss benefits like lower bills with your landlord, and contact Future Heat for guidance.

How does shading affect solar panel performance in urban North East areas?

Shading from buildings or trees in urban areas like Newcastle can reduce output by 10–20%. Optimisers, costing £50–£100 per panel, mitigate this by isolating shaded panels. A Future Heat assessment ensures your system is optimised.

Are there maintenance costs for solar panels in the North East?

Maintenance is minimal, with cleaning costing £100–£200 every 1–2 years. Panels have no moving parts, reducing repair needs.

Our Verdict

The North East of England is a promising region for solar panels, offering viable energy production, significant bill savings, and access to grants like ECO4, Warm Homes Plan, and 0% VAT schemes. 

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or business owner in Tyne and Wear, Newcastle, or beyond, solar energy is a smart investment. With system sizes tailored to flats, homes, conservatories, or commercial properties, and local expertise from Future Heat, you can embrace renewable energy confidently. 

Request a free quote today to start your solar journey and contribute to a greener North East.