Over 5,000 households registered for solar group-buying scheme

A group-buying scheme to help local households and businesses to purchase solar PV (photovoltaic) systems at a competitive price has seen over 5,000 people register since it launched last month.

Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington offers residents in the area the opportunity to have solar panels with optional battery storage and electric vehicle charge points installed at their property by pre-vetted installers, helping them to generate their own electricity and cut their energy bills.

The scheme is also beneficial for those residents who have already invested in solar panels but do not have battery storage with their system and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate, as well as increase their independence from the grid.

Cheshire and Warrington residents have until 10pm on Friday, 27 October, to register for the scheme. It is free to apply and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation once a quote has been received.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:

“It’s fantastic that so many people in the area are interested in switching to a renewable source of energy to power their homes and businesses.

“The scheme is a first for the area and will help people to generate their own electricity, save money on their energy bills, and cut carbon emissions, helping the borough to reach its ambitious net zero targets.”

As part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s work to help the borough to become carbon neutral by 2045, the Council is working in partnership with Cheshire East Council, Warrington Borough Council, and independent experts iChoosr, to help make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.

This innovative scheme builds on six years of a successful Solar Together programme, run across the UK. To date, Solar Together has delivered over 22,000 installations and over 460,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions. 

To find out more and to register, visit: 

www.solartogether.co.uk/cheshire-west-and-chester.

Alternatively, call: 0800 014 8851 (Monday - Friday: 8am – 5pm).

 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, where installers bid to provide the service to you and others registered households. They can 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.

Advice on other home energy schemes and support for those who are worried about the rising cost of energy bills, food and transport can be found on the Council’s website. Visit:

http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/homeenergyhelp

http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/costofliving