All FAQs
68 questions answered across every service
Searchable comprehensive FAQs across solar, battery, EV charging, heat pumps, boilers, air conditioning, and commercial installs. If your question isn't here, call us — we'll add it.
Solar PV
(5 questions) How much do solar panels cost?
A typical 4kW home solar system starts from £4,500 installed. The exact cost depends on your roof size, orientation, and the number of panels needed. We provide a free, no-obligation survey and quote.
How much can I save with solar panels?
Most homeowners save between 50-70% on their electricity bills. With the Smart Export Guarantee, you can also earn money by exporting surplus energy back to the grid.
How long do solar panels last?
Modern solar panels typically last 25-30 years and come with manufacturer warranties of up to 25 years. Performance degrades very slowly — most panels still produce 80%+ of their original output after 25 years.
Will solar panels work on my roof?
Solar panels work on most roof types and orientations. South-facing roofs are ideal, but east and west-facing roofs also perform well. Our 3D roof mapping technology will show you exactly how much energy your roof can generate.
Do I need planning permission for solar panels?
In most cases, residential solar panels fall under permitted development and don't require planning permission. There are some exceptions for listed buildings, conservation areas, and certain roof types. We handle all the paperwork for you.
Home battery storage
(9 questions) How much does a home battery cost in the North East?
A typical 5kWh home battery starts from around £3,800 installed in the North East, with a 10kWh system from around £5,900 and a 15kWh stack from around £7,800. Prices include Northern Powergrid G99 notification, commissioning, and the app setup — no hidden fees. We always quote on the unit you actually need based on your overnight off-peak window.
Do I need to notify Northern Powergrid before fitting a battery?
Yes — every grid-connected battery in the North East needs a G99 notification submitted to Northern Powergrid (the DNO covering Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Northumberland and Teesside). We handle the application and the witness test paperwork as part of every install — you never deal with the DNO directly.
How often do power cuts happen in the North East?
Northern Powergrid's published CI/CML stats show the North East averages roughly 30-50 minutes of unplanned interruptions per customer per year — higher in rural Northumberland and parts of County Durham, and noticeably higher after the Storm Arwen and Storm Babet events. A battery with EPS (Emergency Power Supply) keeps your lights, broadband and fridge running through the typical 1-3 hour outage.
Can I have a battery without solar panels?
Yes — standalone batteries are one of our fastest-growing installs in the North East. On an Octopus Cosy or Intelligent Go tariff you charge the battery at 7p/kWh overnight and discharge it through the expensive day-time peak (28-32p/kWh), saving £400-£800/year on a typical 10kWh system with no panels required. Solar can be added later.
Which North East towns do you cover for battery installs?
We cover the whole North East from our Washington base: Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, South Shields, North Shields, Whitley Bay, Cramlington, Blyth, Ashington, Morpeth, Hexham, Durham, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Bishop Auckland, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, plus the wider Teesside region. Survey and quote is always free.
Do I need solar panels to have a battery?
No. Battery storage works with or without solar panels. Without solar, you can charge from the grid at cheap overnight rates and use the stored energy during expensive peak hours.
How much can I save with a home battery?
Savings depend on your energy usage and tariff. With a time-of-use tariff, you can save £400-800 per year by shifting your energy use to off-peak hours. Combined with solar, savings can be even higher.
How long do home batteries last?
Most home batteries come with a 10-year warranty and are designed to last 15+ years. They can typically handle 6,000-10,000 charge cycles before any significant degradation.
Will a battery keep my lights on during a power cut?
Yes, if your battery system includes an Emergency Power Supply (EPS) function. Most modern batteries like Tesla and SolarEdge Powerwall offer automatic backup power during outages.
EV chargers
(16 questions) Zappi vs Ohme vs Easee — which is best for a North East home?
Zappi is our pick if you have solar (Eco+ mode charges the car from solar surplus only — free fuel through spring, summer and autumn in Newcastle, Sunderland and Teesside). Ohme is the pick if you're on Octopus Intelligent Go — the charger talks directly to Octopus and pulls cheap 7p/kWh slots automatically, no scheduling needed. Easee One is the pick for the tidiest install — it's the smallest unit on the market, ideal for terraced streets in Heaton, Jesmond or Roker where kerb appeal matters. All three are NICEIC-installed by our team with full Northern Powergrid G98 notification.
Do I need to notify Northern Powergrid before fitting an EV charger?
Yes — every 7kW home charger in the North East needs a G98 notification submitted to Northern Powergrid (the DNO for Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Northumberland and Teesside). We submit it as part of every install. For three-phase 22kW chargers, or where you also have solar/battery on the same supply, we submit a G99 application instead with the full load calculation. You never deal with the DNO directly.
Do I qualify for the OZEV grant if I live in a flat or leasehold in Newcastle?
Possibly, yes. The OZEV EV chargepoint grant for flats and leaseholders pays up to £350 per socket for residents in flats or leasehold properties (including conversions and apartment blocks across Newcastle, Sunderland and Gateshead), provided you have dedicated off-street parking. Standalone single-house owner-occupiers no longer qualify. Landlords qualify separately under the Residential Chargepoint Scheme. We confirm eligibility and handle the paperwork as part of every install.
Do I need a three-phase supply upgrade for a 22kW home charger?
Yes — 22kW charging needs a three-phase supply, and the vast majority of North East homes are single-phase (capped at 7.4kW). If you have two EVs that both need to fast-charge at once, or you run an extended-range commercial vehicle from home, we can apply to Northern Powergrid for a three-phase upgrade. Cost typically runs £500-£3,000 depending on the existing cabinet and how far the nearest three-phase cable sits — we get a firm quote from Northern Powergrid before any work goes ahead.
How much does a home EV charger cost?
Home EV chargers start from £799 installed for an Easee One, £899 for Ohme ePod (Octopus Intelligent Go integration), and £1,099 for a Zappi (solar-pairing specialist). All prices are fully installed by our NICEIC certified team including Northern Powergrid DNO notification.
How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?
A standard 7kW home charger will fully charge most electric cars in 4-8 hours. Larger battery cars (Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQS) take 8-12 hours. Smart-tariff charging on Octopus Intelligent Go means most owners only pay 7p/kWh for overnight charging — typically around £8-12 to fully charge a 60 kWh battery.
Can I charge my EV from solar panels?
Yes — and it's our most-recommended setup. The Zappi in Eco+ mode only charges from solar surplus, giving you effectively free fuel through spring, summer and autumn. The Ohme Home Pro and Easee One can also be configured to prioritise solar when paired with a Hub or Harvi sensor.
What EV charger brands do you install?
We install Zappi (best for solar pairing), Ohme (best for Octopus Intelligent Go tariff), Easee (smallest footprint, best for tidy installs), and Andersen A2 (premium aesthetics). Three-phase Project EV chargers are available for properties needing 22kW or multi-vehicle simultaneous charging.
Do I qualify for the OZEV grant as a homeowner?
If you own a standalone single house and just want a charger for your own use, you don't qualify for an OZEV grant any more. The grant is now restricted to landlords (Residential Chargepoint Scheme — £350 per socket), flat owner-occupiers, and businesses (Workplace Charging Scheme — £350 × up to 40 sockets). We'll confirm which scheme applies during your free quote.
Tethered or untethered — which should I choose?
Tethered (attached cable) is more convenient for daily use — just plug in. Untethered (socket only) is tidier and lets you carry a spare cable for occasional public top-ups. Most of our customers go for tethered now. If you have a Type 1 connector (older Mitsubishi, Nissan Leaf gen-1) you'll need untethered with the right cable.
What about my consumer unit — do I need a fuse upgrade?
We assess this during the survey. Most modern consumer units handle a 7kW charger without changes. Older boards (mid-1990s and earlier) sometimes need an upgrade. If the supply fuse is rated below 80A (you can check the sealed cutout) Northern Powergrid will need to upgrade it — we handle that application as part of the install.
Do I need a three-phase supply for fast charging?
Only for 11kW or 22kW charging. Single-phase (the supply 99% of UK homes have) caps at 7.4kW. If you have two cars and want both to fast-charge simultaneously, or you need 22kW for an extended-range commercial vehicle, we can apply to Northern Powergrid for a three-phase upgrade — typically £500-£3,000 cost depending on existing infrastructure.
Is my driveway / garage suitable, or can the charger go elsewhere?
Most setups are fine. We mount on external walls (under eaves where possible to keep weather off), on garage walls, or on freestanding posts. We can run cabling under floors, through walls, or along eaves. Maximum supply run is typically 30m — beyond that we recommend a sub-distribution box. We confirm the best site during your free survey.
What about V2H and V2G — is my charger future-proof?
Most chargers we install are AC-only (one-way charging). True V2H (vehicle-to-home) and V2G (vehicle-to-grid) requires DC bidirectional hardware, which is more expensive and only supported by a small set of vehicles (Nissan Leaf, MG ZS, some Kia/Hyundai models). The Wallbox Quasar 2 and JEDI Charger are our current V2H options — we can install these where the customer's vehicle supports it.
How long does the install take?
A standard single-phase 7kW charger install takes 3-4 hours: install the charger, run the cabling, fit any required RCBO or earth rod, commission the unit, register with Northern Powergrid, set up the app. Three-phase installs or installs requiring fuse upgrades can take a day. We always book a single visit — you won't see us twice.
Do you handle the DNO notification?
Yes — we submit the G98 notification to Northern Powergrid as part of every install. For three-phase or special-circumstance installs (existing solar plus EV charging on the same supply, for example) we submit G99 with a load calculation showing total system load. You never deal with the DNO directly.
Heat pumps
(9 questions) Heat Geek vs MCS — which accreditation matters for my heat pump?
Both matter, for different reasons. MCS is the scheme you need for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant to apply, and most reputable installers carry it. Heat Geek is a quality-of-design certification — it focuses on the engineering decisions (heat loss modelling, emitter sizing, flow-temperature design, hydronic separation) that actually decide whether a heat pump runs at a real COP of 4+ or struggles at 2.5. AMP holds Heat Geek certification and our MCS re-accreditation is in progress for 2026 — once both are in place you get the grant AND the design rigour.
Do I need to notify Northern Powergrid for a heat pump?
Yes — every heat pump install in the North East needs a G99 application submitted to Northern Powergrid (the DNO covering Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Northumberland and Teesside) before commissioning. We submit it as part of every install, with the load calculation showing the heat pump plus any existing solar/battery/EV charger on the same supply. You never deal with the DNO directly.
I'm off the gas grid in Northumberland — is the £9,000 grant still £7,500?
The headline Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant in England is £7,500 for both air-source and ground-source heat pumps in 2026. The £9,000 figure you may have seen relates to Scotland's Home Energy Scotland scheme, not England. For off-gas-grid Northumberland homes (rural Hexham, Bellingham, Rothbury, Wooler, Berwickshire fringe) the £7,500 BUS grant typically takes a heat pump install down to a similar net price as a new oil boiler — and the running costs are dramatically lower than oil, LPG or storage heaters.
I live on the Tyneside or Northumberland coast — will salt-spray corrode the heat pump?
Coastal salt-spray is a real factor we plan for on installs from Whitley Bay up through Blyth, Newbiggin, Amble, Alnmouth, Craster, Bamburgh and the Berwick fringe. We site the outdoor unit at least 2-3m back from the nearest seafront-facing aspect where possible, mount it on a galvanised stand off the ground, and specify units with coated coils (Daikin Altherma 3 H HT and Vaillant aroTHERM Plus both offer salt-resistant variants). On exposed sites we recommend annual coil rinsing — built into our service contract.
What is Heat Geek training and why does it matter?
Heat Geek training focuses heavily on the parts of a heating system that most affect real-world performance — including heat loss, emitters, controls, flow temperatures and hydronic design. That matters because a heat pump is only as good as the system it is designed into.
What is the BUS grant for heat pumps?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) currently offers £7,500 towards an eligible air source heat pump installation in England and Wales. Eligibility depends on your property and the scheme rules in force at the time of application, and we can advise you on suitability and the process.
Will a heat pump work with my existing radiators?
Sometimes yes, sometimes changes are needed. The answer depends on your home’s heat loss and whether the existing emitters can deliver enough heat at lower flow temperatures. That is why proper room-by-room assessment matters.
Are heat pumps only for very well insulated homes?
No. Many existing homes can be suitable, but every property is different. The key question is not whether your home is "perfect" on paper — it is whether the system can be designed correctly for the property and any sensible upgrades that may be needed.
Will a heat pump still keep me warm in winter?
Yes — when it has been designed correctly for the home. Good performance comes from proper sizing, emitter selection, controls and commissioning, not from simply fitting a unit and hoping for the best.
Boilers
(9 questions) How much does a new boiler cost in Newcastle or Sunderland?
A straightforward combi boiler swap in Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead or the wider Tyne and Wear area typically lands between £2,200 and £3,200 including fitting and a Worcester Bosch, Vaillant or Ideal unit. System and regular boiler replacements with cylinder work run higher (£3,500-£5,000). The exact price depends on the unit, the location of the existing flue, and whether a system flush or magnetic filter upgrade is needed.
Do you cover Teesside for boiler installs?
Yes — we cover the whole Teesside region including Middlesbrough, Stockton, Thornaby, Billingham, Hartlepool, Redcar, Saltburn, Guisborough and Yarm from our Washington base, with the same response times and pricing as our Tyne and Wear customers. Most Teesside boiler jobs are surveyed within 48 hours of enquiry.
How fast can you respond to a boiler breakdown?
For an existing customer on a service plan, we aim to attend within 24 hours of the call. For a new emergency callout in the North East, we typically get to you within 48-72 hours. If the boiler is beyond economic repair, we carry common Worcester Bosch and Ideal combi units on the van and can often replace same-week — important when the heating is off in a North East winter.
Do you offer finance on new boilers?
Yes — we offer 0% APR finance on selected boiler installations (subject to status), with terms typically from 2 to 5 years. For mixed installs (boiler now, plan to add solar or a heat pump later) we can structure finance to keep the monthly cost predictable. We talk through every option during the free survey.
How much does a new boiler cost?
A new combi boiler installation typically starts from around £2,200 including fitting. The exact price depends on the boiler model, system type, and any additional pipework or upgrades needed. We provide a free, no-obligation quote.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing?
Common signs include frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, uneven heating, strange noises, and the boiler being over 10-12 years old. If your boiler has an efficiency rating below A, a modern replacement could cut your gas bills significantly.
What is a hydrogen-ready boiler?
Hydrogen-ready boilers are designed to run on natural gas now but can be converted to use hydrogen fuel in the future if the gas network switches over. It is a way to future-proof your heating without committing to a full system change today.
How long does a boiler installation take?
A straightforward like-for-like boiler swap is usually completed in one day. If the boiler is being relocated or the system needs upgrades, it may take 2 days. We keep disruption to a minimum.
Should I get a boiler or a heat pump?
It depends on your property, budget, and long-term plans. A boiler is a lower upfront cost and works well with existing radiators. A heat pump has higher initial cost but lower running costs and qualifies for the £7,500 BUS grant. We can talk you through both options honestly.
Air conditioning
(8 questions) How much does home air conditioning cost in the North East?
A single-room split system typically starts from around £1,500 installed across the North East, with a two-room multi-split from around £2,800 and a four-room whole-house multi-split from around £5,200. Prices include F-Gas-certified install, commissioning, the wall controller and the app setup. We provide a free survey and quote.
Do I need planning permission for air conditioning in a Newcastle conservation area?
Most domestic air conditioning falls under permitted development, but the outdoor condenser unit has specific rules — it must be at least 1m from the property boundary and the noise level must not exceed 42 dB(A) at the boundary. In Newcastle conservation areas (Jesmond, Gosforth, Heaton, parts of the city centre) and on listed buildings, you'll typically need full planning permission for the external unit. We handle the planning application as part of the quote where required.
Will air conditioning heat my home through a Tyneside winter?
Yes — modern split systems are reversible heat pumps and run efficiently down to around -15°C, which covers every winter the North East has seen for decades. They are typically used as supplementary heating in living rooms, bedrooms and home offices rather than a full house replacement for your gas boiler. Many of our Newcastle and Sunderland customers run the AC for heating in shoulder months (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr) when the boiler would be inefficient.
How long does an air conditioning install take?
A single-room system can usually be installed in one day. A two-room multi-split takes 1-2 days. A whole-house four-room install takes 2-3 days depending on the pipe runs and access. We always book a single visit window — you won't see us back for a second trip.
Are your air conditioning installers F-Gas certified?
Yes. F-Gas regulations make it a legal requirement that anyone installing, servicing or decommissioning refrigerant-based equipment holds a current F-Gas Category 1 certificate. Every AMP Renewables AC engineer is F-Gas certified and we register every install with REFCOM as required. We can show certificates on request.
Should I choose Daikin or Mitsubishi?
Both are top-tier Japanese manufacturers and either is a sound choice. We typically recommend Daikin (Emura, Stylish, Perfera ranges) for residential customers who want the quietest indoor units (19 dB(A)) and the best aesthetics, and Mitsubishi Electric (Zen, MSZ-LN, MSZ-AP) for customers who want the longest-running brand warranty and the strongest heating performance in cold weather. Both offer 7-year warranties when installed by our team.
Which North East areas do you cover for air conditioning?
We install air conditioning across the whole North East from our Washington base: Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, the wider Teesside region (Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool, Redcar), and the Northumberland coast and valleys (Morpeth, Hexham, Alnwick, Berwick, Cramlington). Survey and quote is always free.
What warranty do you offer on air conditioning installs?
Daikin and Mitsubishi units carry 7-year manufacturer warranties when installed by an accredited installer — both manufacturers require that to honour the cover, and we are accredited with both. We back this up with a 2-year workmanship warranty on the install itself. F-Gas servicing is recommended annually and we offer maintenance contracts to keep the warranty live.
Commercial solar
(4 questions) How quickly will commercial solar pay for itself?
Most commercial solar installations pay for themselves within 3-5 years through energy bill savings and tax incentives. Larger systems and higher energy usage typically see faster payback periods.
Can I claim tax relief on a solar installation?
Yes. Commercial solar installations qualify for capital allowances, allowing businesses to deduct the full cost from taxable profits in the year of installation.
How much roof space do I need for commercial solar?
A typical 50kW commercial system needs around 200m² of roof space. We conduct a free site survey to assess your roof and design a system that maximises your available area.
Will commercial solar panels work on a flat roof?
Yes. Flat roofs are ideal for commercial solar as panels can be mounted at the optimal angle using ballasted frames, without penetrating the roof membrane.
Commercial battery
(4 questions) What is peak shaving?
Peak shaving uses battery storage to reduce your maximum power demand during expensive peak hours. The battery discharges to supplement grid power, lowering your demand charges significantly.
Can commercial batteries provide backup power?
Yes. Commercial battery systems can be configured to provide automatic backup power during grid outages, protecting critical business operations.
How do commercial batteries earn revenue?
Commercial batteries can participate in grid services like frequency response, demand-side flexibility programmes, and energy trading to generate additional income alongside bill savings.
Can a commercial battery work with existing solar?
Yes. Battery storage integrates seamlessly with existing solar installations to store surplus generation and maximise your self-consumption rate.
Workplace EV charging
(4 questions) Do you handle workplace EV charging for multiple sites?
Yes, we manage multi-site installations with centralised billing, load management, and ongoing maintenance. We also handle OZEV workplace charging grant applications.
Can employees be charged for using workplace chargers?
Yes. Our installations include billing integration so you can offer free charging as a perk, charge at cost, or set a commercial rate for staff and visitors.
What is the OZEV workplace charging grant?
The OZEV Workplace Charging Scheme provides funding towards the cost of installing EV charge points at workplaces. We handle the full grant application process on your behalf.
How does load management work?
Smart load management distributes available power across all chargers dynamically, so you can install more charge points without expensive electrical upgrades.
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Our accreditations
Accredited, certified, and backed by independent standards
NICEIC Approved
D124458
Electrical contractor
Gas Safe Register
947841
Gas appliances
Heat Geek Trained
Heat pump design specialists
SafeContractor
Approved
H&S accredited
ISO 9001
2015
Quality management
ISO 14001
2015
Environmental management
ISO 45001
2018
OH&S management
PAS 2030
:2019
Retrofit standard
NAPIT
Member
Electrical inspection
F-Gas Certified
Air conditioning refrigerant
NICEIC Approved
D124458
Electrical contractor
Gas Safe Register
947841
Gas appliances
Heat Geek Trained
Heat pump design specialists
SafeContractor
Approved
H&S accredited
ISO 9001
2015
Quality management
ISO 14001
2015
Environmental management
ISO 45001
2018
OH&S management
PAS 2030
:2019
Retrofit standard
NAPIT
Member
Electrical inspection
F-Gas Certified
Air conditioning refrigerant
Every accreditation listed is independently verified. We carry the registration numbers — ask for any on request.
Question we haven't covered?
Call our office team — we'll add it to this page if it's a useful one for other customers.
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