Still time to get involved in solar panel and storage group-buying scheme

Swindon Borough Council is working in partnership with Wiltshire Council and independent experts iChoosr, to deliver the Solar Together Wiltshire scheme which aims to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.

The scheme launched on 9 May, and people have until 14 June to register their obligation-free interest, joining more than 8,000 people across Swindon and Wiltshire who have already registered.

Solar Together Wiltshire will help Swindon and Wiltshire homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.

The bargaining power created by coming together as a group is the core principle behind Solar Together. This enhanced buying power allows the scheme to offer more competitive pricing than individual homeowners might get if entering the market alone.

All Wiltshire and Swindon residents who own their own house, or have permission from the landlord to install solar panels, can get involved in Solar Together. Small and medium-sized enterprises (non-domestic) and buildings such as village halls meeting this requirement can participate as well. It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.

The initiative offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as offering battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate and increase their independence from the grid. People can also select whether they’d like to discuss options to divert solar energy to power the immersion heater in their hot water tank if they have one.

This scheme builds on four years of highly successful Solar Together programmes, run across the UK. To date Solar Together has delivered more than 7,000 installations and more than 130,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.

Councillor Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Finance and Commercialisation, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many residents interested in the Solar Together scheme. This innovative group-buying scheme gives Swindon residents the chance to install high quality solar panels and battery storage at a competitive price, while also being guided through the process by experts.

“If you haven’t already registered, it’s really worth taking five minutes to look at the webpage and enter your details – there’s no obligation to go ahead at this stage so you can decide once you receive a personal recommendation, which will include specifications and costs.”

Councillor Richard Clewer, Wiltshire Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “We’ve been really encouraged by the interest in this scheme, and it just goes to show how much people want to do their bit for the environment, while making themselves some long-term savings in the process – which given the current cost of living is a really important factor.

“I’d encourage people to register if they’re interested as at this stage there’s no obligation, and then they can make an informed choice whether to invest when the scheme reaches the next stage.

“As stated in our business plan, as a council we’ll continue to highlight and promote the ways that people can make changes to their everyday lives that will have a positive impact on the local environment and help speed up carbon reduction.”

For more information, people living in Wiltshire can visit www.solartogether.co.uk/wiltshire while those living in Swindon should visit www.solartogether.co.uk/swindon

Residents from across Swindon and Wiltshire who wish to contact iChoosr should email wiltshire@solartogether.co.uk or call 0800 048 8113.

Swindon residents can find out more about what they can do to play their part in tackling climate change, while also reading about what other initiatives are already taking place across the town, by visiting: www.swindon.gov.uk/bethechange