Solar Together relaunched for another year.
Following the success of the 2022 and 2023 schemes, Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council are working in partnership with iChoosr, independent experts in group buying, to launch the third Solar Together scheme.
Solar Together gives residents the opportunity to invest in renewable energy from a trusted provider to save on energy costs and improve their carbon footprint. The scheme utilises group buying to leverage cheaper solar panel and installation costs from vetted providers. The core principle is that coming together as a group provides enhanced buying power and allows the approved providers to offer a better price than individual homeowners might get from entering the market alone.
The initiative offers solar panels (also known as solar PV) with optional battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charge points. It also offers battery storage installation for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to maximise how much of their self-generated energy they can use at home and become less dependent on electricity from the grid.
The lower cost of the product and installation is made possible by iChoosr holding a reverse auction with vetted installers who compete to offer the group of residents who have signed up the best price. Across the country, iChoosr have helped facilitate over 33,000 installations with 10-25% savings against the market average.
There is no obligation to go ahead with purchasing solar panels if people register their interest. They will receive a detailed and easy to understand personal recommendation which they can choose whether to accept or not.
The scheme is now open for registrations in Wiltshire and Swindon and the deadline is 9 August 2024. People who are interested can register for free.
To register for the scheme, residents must either own their own house or have permission from the landlord to install solar panels. Small and medium-sized enterprises (non-domestic) and Commonhold Associations meeting this requirement can also participate.
To register their interest or for more information including likely costs and the amount of energy people can expect to generate, people can visit the Solar Together site at www.solartogether.co.uk
Residents who wish to contact iChoosr can email wiltshire@solartogether.co.uk or call 0800 048 8113.