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Expert Solar & Energy Guides

Practical guides, real data and honest advice from our team of MCS certified installers. 14 articles covering solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers and electrical work.

Showing 14 articles
Solar PV

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the North East? [2026 Guide]

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in the North East? [2026 Guide]

A detailed breakdown of solar panel costs across the North East in 2026, covering 4kW to 10kW systems, installation costs, panel brands and what affects your final price.

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Solar PV

Solar Panel Grants UK 2026 — Complete Guide

Solar Panel Grants UK 2026 — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about solar panel grants, incentives and funding available in the UK in 2026, including 0% VAT, SEG tariffs and local authority schemes.

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Battery Storage

Tesla Powerwall 3 Review — Real Installation Experience

Tesla Powerwall 3 Review — Real Installation Experience

An honest, hands-on review of the Tesla Powerwall 3 from a Tesla Certified Installer. Covering specs, installation process, app experience and real-world performance.

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EV Chargers

Best EV Charger for Home UK — Zappi vs Ohme vs Tesla vs Wallbox

Best EV Charger for Home UK — Zappi vs Ohme vs Tesla vs Wallbox

A side-by-side comparison of the top home EV chargers in the UK. We install all four brands and share our real-world experience to help you choose the right one.

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Battery Storage

GivEnergy vs Tesla Powerwall — Which Battery Is Right for You?

GivEnergy vs Tesla Powerwall — Which Battery Is Right for You?

An unbiased comparison of GivEnergy Gen 3 and Tesla Powerwall 3 from installers who fit both systems daily. Covering price, performance, apps and backup capability.

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Solar PV

Are Solar Panels Worth It in the North East? Real Data

Are Solar Panels Worth It in the North East? Real Data

We share actual generation data from our installations across Teesside and the North East to answer the big question: are solar panels really worth it this far north?

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Solar PV

0% VAT on Solar Panels UK — Everything You Need to Know

0% VAT on Solar Panels UK — Everything You Need to Know

A complete guide to the 0% VAT rate on residential solar panels and battery storage in the UK. What qualifies, what does not, and how it affects your total cost.

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EV Chargers

OZEV Grant for EV Chargers — How to Claim Up to £350

OZEV Grant for EV Chargers — How to Claim Up to £350

Step-by-step guide to claiming the OZEV grant for your home EV charger installation. Eligibility criteria, how to apply and how ALPS handles it all for you.

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Solar PV

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? UK Sizing Guide

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? UK Sizing Guide

A practical guide to sizing your solar panel system based on your electricity usage, roof space, orientation and whether you have an EV or heat pump.

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Solar PV

Solar Panel Payback Period UK — What the Numbers Show

Solar Panel Payback Period UK — What the Numbers Show

Real payback calculations using current electricity prices, export tariffs and actual generation data. Find out exactly when your solar panels will pay for themselves.

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Solar PV

Do Solar Panels Work in Winter? North East Performance Data

Do Solar Panels Work in Winter? North East Performance Data

Actual winter generation data from our North East installations. Month-by-month output, how batteries help and why winter performance is better than you think.

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Electrical

G99 Applications Explained — What They Are and Why You Need One

G99 Applications Explained — What They Are and Why You Need One

A plain-English explanation of G99 applications to Northern Powergrid. When you need one, how long they take, what they cost and how ALPS handles the process for you.

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Commercial

Solar Panels for Farms — How North East Farmers Are Cutting Energy Costs

Solar Panels for Farms — How North East Farmers Are Cutting Energy Costs

How dairy, poultry and arable farms across the North East are using solar panels to slash energy bills. Covering large roof arrays, grants, Capital Allowances and ROI.

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Commercial

School Solar Panel Funding 2026 — Great British Energy and Salix Grants Explained

School Solar Panel Funding 2026 — Great British Energy and Salix Grants Explained

How schools in the North East can access funding for solar panels in 2026 through Great British Energy, Salix Finance and local authority schemes.

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