October 19th 2023
More than 5,000 households register for solar group-buying scheme in Cheshire
Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington sees huge wave of interest as local households and businesses seek competitive prices for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
At the beginning of last month, we reported on a new group-buying solar scheme in Cheshire, with Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council working in partnership with independent experts iChoosr, to help make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.
Photo by Bill Mead
Since then, more than 5,000 people have registered their interest and are receiving estimates and information about installing solar PV. The scheme remains open until 10 pm on Friday, October 27, 2023.
Residents register for free and without obligation on the Solar Together website. With a volume of interested residents all in the same geographical location, suppliers and installers can offer reduced prices because efficiencies can be made across the work done for the whole group.
Once households have registered, pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers take part in a reverse auction in which they bid to provide services. Registered households are then emailed a personal recommendation meeting their needs. If they accept the recommendation, a technical survey is conducted to confirm the specifics of the installation of the solar PV system. A date is then set for work to be done.
The scheme includes the option to have battery storage and electric vehicle charge points installed as part of the process. Residents who have already installed solar panels can also have battery storage systems supplied.
Infotec spoke to one keen Cheshire resident who registered their interest for the scheme on September 12. He was emailed a personal recommendation a month on October 12, by a provider offering an average discount on work of 32%. He accepted this recommendation, paid £150 of a deposit and provided a few more details and now awaits the in-person roof survey ahead of a final offer from the supplier. Infotec will report back on progress.
Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, says: ‘It’s fantastic that so many people in the area are interested in switching to a renewable source of energy to power their homes and businesses.
‘The scheme is a first for the area and will help people to generate their own electricity, save money on their energy bills, and cut carbon emissions, helping the borough to reach its ambitious net zero targets.’
In related news:
First-of-its-kind strategic energy partnership between Coventry City Council and E.ON
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