Solar panel group-buying scheme open for registrations until mid June

Swindon residents have the opportunity to come together to invest in renewable energy through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

The scheme, called Solar Together, is a partnership involving Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Council and independent experts in group-buying, iChoosr Ltd.

The bargaining power created by coming together as a group is the core principle behind Solar Together. This enhanced buying power allows the scheme to offer more competitive pricing than individual homeowners might get if entering the market alone.

All Swindon residents (and in wider Wiltshire) who own their own house, or have permission from the landlord to install solar panels, have until 14 June to register for the scheme.

It is free to register, without any obligation to continue. The scheme offers solar panels with optional battery storage and electric vehicle charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate as well as increase their independence from the grid. There is also the chance to discuss options to divert solar energy to power the immersion heater in your hot water tank if you have one.

How does Solar Together work?

• Registration: you can register online at www.solartogether.co.uk/Swindon by providing details about your roof, such as its size and orientation (a roof’s position relative to the sun, for example south facing). The more people that register, the better the deal should be for each household

• Auction: on 14 June a list of pre-vetted solar installers will bid for the work and the most competitive offer wins the auction

• Personal recommendation: from 4 July you will be emailed a personal recommendation for your home

• You decide: you will have six weeks to decide if you want to accept the recommendation

• Installation: if you accept, the winning installer will contact you to survey your roof and set an installation date

 

The above website has lots of information to help residents consider whether solar panels are right for them. The independent Energy Savings Trust also provides a comprehensive guide to solar panels on its website. Search ‘Energy Savings Trust Solar Panels’ online.