Launch of new solar panel group buying scheme

With the steep rise in energy prices, many people are starting to explore the merits of harnessing renewable energy, including solar panels.

A new scheme called ‘Solar Together Wiltshire’ will open for registrations next month to help residents across Swindon and Wiltshire access high-quality solar panel installations at a competitive price.

The scheme is being run by a company called iChoosr, working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council.

To participate in the scheme, people have to be the owner of the roof on which they want to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system or have the explicit approval of the owner.

The scheme also offers the option of having battery storage installed (or retrofitted if there are existing solar panels) allowing people to save the unused energy generated by panels to use whenever they want. The scheme also offers the option to have electric vehicle charge points installed.

Solar PV systems generate electricity during the day, as soon as there is daylight. The more light there is, the more electricity is generated. This means a solar PV system produces more electricity on sunny days, but will also work on cloudy ones. It is free to register for Solar Together Wiltshire and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.

People are invited to register online between 9 May and 14 June for free and without obligation at www.solartogether.co.uk/swindon. Registration will not be available until the former date.

They need only provide details about their roof, relative to the sun, for example south facing.

The more people register, the better the deal should be for each household.

On 14 June a list of pre-vetted solar installers will bid for the work in a reverse ‘auction’, a type of auction in which the traditional roles of buyer and seller are reversed. Thus, there is one buyer and many potential sellers. The most competitive offer, from these pre-vetted installers, wins the auction.

From 4 July, people will be emailed personal recommendations for their home, based on details provided during the consultation.

It will then be entirely up to to the individual as to whether they wish to accept this recommendation. There will be no obligation to continue, and people will be given six weeks to decide - and invited to an online information session.