Residents urged to sign up for group solar buying scheme ahead of November deadline

Cheshire West and Chester Council is encouraging residents and businesses in the borough who are interested in powering their properties by solar power to register for the latest Solar Together Cheshire scheme.

People have until Friday, 15 November 2024 to register for the local group buying scheme which provides the option of purchasing solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points at a competitive price.

So far more than 3,300 residents across Cheshire and Warrington have signed up to receive a free, no-obligation quote from a pre-vetted supplier.

Under the scheme, registered residents can benefit from average savings of 38% off the market price for the installation of solar panel systems—comprising between four and 25 panels—with an average saving of £2,832 per installation.

Households that have already invested in solar panels can retrofit battery storage with the scheme to store up even more renewable energy. All households that choose to take part will be able to gain more independence from the national grid.

Residents can register for this year’s Solar Together scheme for free on the Solar Together website. The website asks for some basic information about your property in order to provide you with a quote for the solar package that would be most suitable for your home or business.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “We’re working alongside Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council to help our residents access renewable energy options, such as solar, through this group-buying scheme. By joining others in the area looking to purchase solar PV systems we can access really competitive rates, helping people to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels to power their homes, make their properties more energy efficient and reduce their bills.

“Sign up before Friday, 15 November for a no-obligation quote to see if solar is something that could work for you and play your part in helping west Cheshire to become carbon neutral by 2045.”

Maureen Hobbs from Neston shared their experience with Solar Together and said: "My focus was on making a positive impact on the environment if possible. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the installation took place."

Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added: “With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, Cheshire and Warrington residents are seeking ways to lower their carbon footprint, cut energy costs, and become more independent from the grid. The Solar Together group-buying scheme provides a simple method to make an informed choice and secure a competitive deal from a reliable, vetted provider. The scheme allows more households to make the renewable switch than would typically be the case.”

How does it work?

• Householders can register online by Friday, 15 November to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
• Approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies, which they pass on with lower prices for installations.
• After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.
• If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation of their solar PV system.
• Telephone and email helpdesks are on-hand throughout the whole process which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.

To register for a free quote, visit: solartogether.co.uk/cheshire-and-warrington. Please call: 0800 014 8851 for any questions about the scheme.

The Council is working in partnership with iChooser, experts in sustainable energy transition, on the Solar Together Cheshire scheme. iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems. To date, Solar Together has installed 7,050 solar panels in Cheshire and Warrington, reducing carbon emissions by 12,600 tonnes over 25 years.

iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 170 schemes have led to 175,000 residents installing solar PV systems.