Solar Together deadline fast approaching

Now in its fourth year, Solar Together is delivered in partnership with Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council and iChoosr, independent experts in group-buying.

This year’s scheme has so far seen more than 1,000 Swindon households register their interest, but time is running out as the deadline to join them expires this Friday (29 Aug).

North Swindon resident Julie Hamilton signed up to Solar Together two years ago and has not looked back, saving money off her electricity bills with her panels generating additional power to sell back to the Grid.

“I would highly recommend Solar Together,” said the married mum-of-two. “Since the start of this calendar year, I’ve spent less than a hundred pounds on electricity, which is amazing.

“You get a credit back for any electricity you don’t use and because I’m using less energy from the Grid and saving a significant amount each month, it means I don’t mind having my heating on for longer in the winter.

“I see the panels as an investment in my house, but it is also great to know I am making a small difference to the environment.”

Solar Together allows homeowners and small businesses to access competitive pricing on solar panel, battery and EV charge point installations from qualified installers - helping to cut energy bills and carbon emissions.

Residents can take advantage of significant savings, thanks to the scheme's group-buying model - securing better deals from vetted installers, with clear personal recommendations and no obligation to proceed.

The price achieved for this year’s scheme starts at £1,872 for a four-panel solar panel system which includes full installation and 10-year warranties. There’s also no VAT to pay on residential installations.

Following a competitive audition process, Sustain has now been selected as the installer for this year’s scheme. Sustain is based in Watford and has completed more than 1,600 installations through Solar Together in Essex, Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Berkshire. The company has a warehouse location and two teams operating in Wiltshire, with 30 employees and a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot.

Solar Together installers wishing to participate in Solar Together must meet strict criteria, including:

• Microgeneration Certificate (MCS) accreditation
• Membership of either the HIES or RECC customer protection schemes
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high volumes of installations at a high quality
• Successful independent financial due diligence
• Insurance-backed workmanship guarantees
• iChoosr work with independent industry experts to set and monitor the technical quality standards for Solar Together.

Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Ambassador for a Greener Swindon, said: “It is great to hear that Julie’s experience of Solar Together has been so positive.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in this fourth round of Solar Together, but there is still time for people to register their interest and join Julie in securing quality solar panels at a competitive price through what is now a tried and tested route.

“It’s free to register and takes just five minutes online for your personal recommendation, with no obligation to proceed. Simply search online for ‘Solar Together Wiltshire’ or call 0800 048 8113.”

The scheme is open to homeowners, landlords and small and medium-sized enterprises and commonhold associations across Wiltshire and Swindon.

There is no obligation to go ahead with the purchase. Those who register will receive a detailed personal recommendation based on their home, energy usage and roof type and can decide whether or not to proceed.