How much do solar panels cost in Birmingham? (2026)
Indicative 6 to 16 panel solar-only cash prices from the Solar City design tool, plus Fox ESS and Sigenergy battery add-ons.
Founder & Managing Director · Solar City (NIC-1542)
Chris Hammond, Founder and Managing Director of Solar City
Chris has worked in solar since 2002. In 2005 his company, D J Hammond Electrical Contractors Ltd, carried out its first solar installations, and in 2010 he launched Solar City as its solar and battery brand (D J Hammond Electrical Contractors Ltd T/A Solar City, company number 05338112).
Hands-on solar PV and electrical engineering since 2002
Chris has worked in solar since 2002. In 2005 his company, D J Hammond Electrical Contractors Ltd, carried out its first solar installations, and in 2010 he launched Solar City as its solar and battery brand, building on family electrical contracting roots dating back to 1983.
Under Chris's leadership, Solar City (D J Hammond Electrical Contractors Ltd T/A Solar City, company number 05338112) is MCS certified (NIC-1542), a Renewable Energy Consumer Code member (00040355) and TrustMark registered, installing domestic and commercial solar PV, battery storage and EV charging systems for homes and businesses within 40 miles of Solihull.
Rather than employing commission-only doorstep salespeople, Chris and the in-house engineering team handle desktop designs, technical site surveys, DNO G98 and G99 grid applications, installation and long-term maintenance directly from Unit 18, The Business Centre, 20 James Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2BA.
On 22 September 2026, Chris spoke on the Solar Nation panel at EVCharge Live, sharing practical lessons from over two decades of UK solar PV, battery storage and EV charging installations.
Credentials & roles
- Role: Founder and Managing Director, Solar City
- Experience: Chris has worked in solar since 2002. In 2005 his company, D J Hammond Electrical Contractors Ltd, carried out its first solar installations, and in 2010 he launched Solar City as its solar and battery brand
- Legal entity: D J Hammond Electrical Contractors Ltd T/A Solar City (company number 05338112)
- Accreditations: MCS certified (NIC-1542), RECC member (00040355), TrustMark registered
- Industry speaking: Solar Nation panel speaker at EVCharge Live (22 September 2026)
- Service area: Homes and businesses within 40 miles of Solihull
Technical guides written by Chris Hammond
Read Chris's plain-English guides for West Midlands homeowners and businesses comparing solar PV, battery storage and UK planning rules:
Do you need planning permission for solar panels in the UK?
Permitted Development (GPDO Schedule 2 Part 14 Class A), listed buildings, conservation areas and flat-roof rules.
Octopus Energy solar vs a local MCS installer
How Ofgem Smart Export Guarantee tariffs work and how to compare a national package against a local MCS engineering quote.
Why we install Fox ESS batteries and hybrid inverters
Practical overview of Fox ESS string and H-series hybrid inverters, EP6 and EP12 LFP batteries, and West Midlands case studies.
You can also browse our published West Midlands case studies with installation photographs, system sizes and verified homeowner reviews, or return to About Solar City.
Speak directly with Chris and the Solar City team
Try our free instant design tool for an indicative cash price, or call our Tyseley office on 0121 707 9991.