Solar and battery scheme launched to help residents take greater control of their home energy

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a new round of a solar panel and battery storage scheme to help homeowners explore how they could generate and store their own renewable electricity, reduce reliance on grid electricity, and take greater control of their household energy use.

Delivered in partnership with Switch Together, the scheme uses a group-buying approach that has already supported thousands of households across the UK to access competitively priced renewable energy installations from trusted, vetted installers.

With many households continuing to feel the impact of rising living costs, the initiative offers residents a practical way to explore whether generating their own electricity could help lessen the impact of future energy price fluctuations, whilst making their homes more sustainable.

The launch comes as energy efficiency and home improvement decisions are increasingly being made during late summer and early autumn, when homeowners begin planning ahead for the year to come and considering upgrades that can improve comfort, reduce bills, and increase property value over time.

Typical home solar systems can generate a significant proportion of a household’s daytime electricity use, while battery storage allows excess energy generated during daylight hours to be stored and used later in the day, helping to improve self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on the grid.

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

“Due to the rising cost of energy over the last few years more residents are interested in taking more control over their energy use and making their homes more efficient. This scheme gives people a straightforward way to explore whether solar panels and battery storage could work for their home, with trusted installers and no obligation to proceed.

“During last year’s scheme, which was known as Solar Together, 193 homeowners received a quote, with 121 households proceeding to have a solar PV or battery storage system installed.”

Following registration, residents will receive information about the scheme and guidance on next steps. There is no obligation to proceed, and homeowners can choose whether to accept any offer they receive.

While solar and battery systems are a home investment and will not be suitable for every household, the scheme is designed to help residents understand the costs, benefits and potential advantages in a clear and accessible way.

The initiative is part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s wider commitment to supporting residents to improve home energy efficiency, create healthier and more sustainable homes and reduce carbon emissions across the borough.

Residents can register free of charge at switchtogether.co.uk/solar-panels until 25 September 2026.

• Registration is free and without obligation

• The scheme is open to homeowners in west Cheshire

• Solar panels generate renewable electricity from daylight throughout the year

• Battery storage systems allow households to store excess solar energy for later use

• Installations are expected to take place over the months following the scheme, subject to registration timing, demand, property suitability and installer availability

• The scheme is delivered in partnership with Switch Together, specialists in group-buying programmes for sustainable home improvements