Suffolk residents will come together to invest in renewables through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.
Solar Together Suffolk, in conjunction with Suffolk County Council, helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.
This innovative scheme builds on three years of the highly successful Solar Together programme run in Suffolk. Since 2018, the scheme has installed solar panel systems in 1,028 households across the county. On average, homeowners have saved 33% on installation costs, £263 on energy bills in year one, and stopped harmful carbon emissions entering the atmosphere.
Suffolk residents have until 27 September 2021 to register their interest, for free and with no obligation, to join the group-buying scheme to have solar panels installed at their home. Not only does Solar Together Suffolk offer solar panels, but also optional battery storage and retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels.
Suffolk County Councillor Richard Rout, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Environment, said:
“I’m delighted that we’re able to run Solar Together Suffolk for another year, as we have seen a real appetite amongst residents to play their part and invest in ways to reduce their carbon emissions. This is one of the many schemes we are offering, as Suffolk County Council aims to make the county net zero by 2030.
“The council itself has had solar panel installations for many years, which are located on around 100 of our properties. We have also been trialling battery storage too. This means that we rely less on the grid for our energy, by harnessing energy from the sun. Suffolk’s councils have worked together for many years to reduce carbon emissions and slow climate change. We now do this through the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan, and with COP26 on the horizon we will all need to focus on how we can all lower our carbon footprint and help make Suffolk a carbon neutral county.”
How does it work?
- Until 27 September: Householders can register to become part of the group, for free and without obligation, at www.solartogether.co.uk/suffolk
- 28 September: Pre-vetted UK solar PV installers participate in an 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 receive 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.
Suffolk County Council brings Solar Together Suffolk to residents as part of the Suffolk Climate Change Partnership, on behalf of all of Suffolk’s local authorities. This is in partnership with independent experts iChoosr to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible. Across the UK, iChoosr has delivered almost 5,000 installations to date and over 80,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.
Marie-Louise Abretti, iChoosr UK Solar Manager added:
“The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a simple process and the reassurance of a trusted and vetted installer for residents of Suffolk who are looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills and increase their independence from the grid.”
What other Suffolk residents have said:
“All very painless and straightforward. Being part of a large group gives you the confidence that problems will be resolved should they arise, but none did!” Peter, Bury St Edmunds; 16 panels installed.
“Excellent! Solar Together Suffolk took all the hassle of finding a provider, and the group-buying secured me a better discount than trying to do this on my own. It was a no-brainer. Richard, Bures St Mary; 24 panels installed.
