15 Mar Essex residents embrace affordable renewable energy sources through Solar Together scheme – and there’s still time to join them!
More than 3,500 Essex households have registered interest in a group buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage, with more joining every day. Harnessing the collective power of group buying, Solar Together helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.
Under the scheme, Essex residents can benefit from a minimum of 25% savings on all standard solar panel systems, starting from a standard 4-panel system. The scheme also offers battery storage and electric vehicle charging stations, making it a complete package for homeowners who are looking to switch to renewable energy. What’s more, those who have already invested in solar panels can retrofit battery storage with the scheme to generate even more renewable energy. The scheme savings are applicable to solar systems of every size, providing homeowners with an opportunity to gain independence from the national grid without sacrificing quality.
It’s free to register until 22 March 2024, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Essex County Council is working in partnership with iChoosr, the experts in accelerating the sustainable energy transition which run the scheme, to make the transition to clean energy in the county as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.
Councillor Peter Schwier, Essex County Council’s Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “We are pleased to see so many Essex residents have registered for the Solar Together scheme. It is a great way to save money while generating renewable energy and helping to reduce carbon emissions. If you are thinking about solar panels, register your interest before the scheme closes.”
Diane and Ian Cable, who live in Basildon, recently spoke positively about their experience with Solar Together. They decided to install ten solar panels along with a battery storage unit to generate their own electricity.
“I’ve been thinking of getting solar panels and I didn’t know where to go. The scheme absolutely gave me confidence that we could do this on a sound footing,” said Ian.
The Cables rated the installation process 9 out of 10, which reflects their satisfaction with the scheme. They were especially impressed with the panels’ appearance. The couple remarked, “They do not look like an eyesore at all. If you do not know they are there, they are not very noticeable!”
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 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.
Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added: “With fluctuating energy prices, residents of Essex are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid. The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider.”
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, Solar Together Essex has delivered over 2,227 installations and over 49,506 tonnes of avoided carbon emissions over 25 years.
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.
