Solar installers in Durham.

Sun figures from PVGIS; roof estimates include solar data from Google. How we measure.

Local context

Solar in Durham: quick guide.

This area pairs one of England's most protected historic centres with a ring of former coalfield towns, and the two ask very different things of a solar install:

• World Heritage city centre. The cathedral and castle peninsula and the surrounding conservation area are tightly protected, so panels on prominent roofs may need consent or a hidden face.
• Ex-coalfield towns. Chester-le-Street, Consett, Stanley and Houghton-le-Spring have plenty of estate housing with simple pitched roofs that suit solar and usually need no consent.
• Village stone properties. Older stone homes across the county add variety, where roof condition and access affect the plan.
• Roof direction matters more than postcode. A south, east or west pitch with clear sky will out-perform a shaded or overlooked roof anywhere in the county.
• Get a survey. Between the protected centre and older stone homes, an installer survey is especially useful before committing.

Grants & support

What help is available in Durham?

Solar and battery installations across the UK are currently zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027 — a straight saving on the installed price for every household, with no application needed. In England, ECO4 and the Warm Homes scheme can help eligible lower-income households with energy-efficiency measures through their energy supplier or local council.

Eligibility for grant schemes depends on your income, home and circumstances, and the schemes change. We keep the current picture on one page rather than guess what you'll qualify for.