One month left to sign up for latest round of solar group-buying scheme

Residents and small businesses across West Cheshire have a month left to sign up to Solar Together, a solar PV group-buying scheme in the area, following the registration deadline being extended to 7th November..

So far, over 2,600 people across Cheshire and Warrington have registered to receive a free, no-obligation quote from a pre-vetted supplier. Those that have registered already will receive their personal recommendation in the next few weeks - this is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.

This is the third year Cheshire West and Chester Council has joined Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council to offer the initiative to Cheshire Residents.

To date, more than 400 installations have taken place in the borough through the Solar Together initiative – leading to more than 330 tonnes of avoided carbon emissions, the equivalent of 200 return flights from Manchester to New York. 

Residents can register for this year’s Solar Together scheme for free here: 

the Solar Together website.

Just fill in some basic information about your property to be provided 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:

“I would encourage anyone who has considered having solar panels fitted, or who would like to add a battery to their current solar PV system, to complete the online form. By joining together with others across the borough you can get really competitive rates for installation. It is a fantastic opportunity to generate your own electricity, make savings on your bills and increase your independence from the grid.”

Rob Kinder, a resident of west Cheshire, installed a solar PV system through the Solar Together during the last round of the scheme. He said: “With the costs of energy going up so high, we couldn’t afford not to do it. We’ve been so impressed with the amount of energy they actually generate and it’s a nice feeling that you’re generating your own power. The installers were really thorough and we’ve already recommended them to friends.”

How does it work?

• Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
• Pre-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 help desks 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.

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, in west Cheshire Solar Together has delivered more than 400 installations – leading to more than 330 tonnes of avoided carbon emissions.

iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries.

More than 116 schemes have led to 157,000 residents installing solar PV systems.

Pictured - Installation of solar panels on a roof.

Picture credit - Solar Together.