Group-buying solar scheme opens for west Cheshire residents

Residents in west Cheshire have an opportunity to sign-up to a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

As part of Cheshire West and Chester Council's work to help the borough to become carbon neutral by 2045, the Council is working with neighbouring local authorities to offer residents the opportunity to benefit from Solar Together Cheshire and Warrington. The scheme is a first for the area and will help Cheshire homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.

It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.

West Cheshire residents can join the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points. The scheme also offers retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate, as well as increase their independence from the grid.

This innovative scheme builds on six years of a successful Solar Together programme, run across the UK. To date Solar Together has delivered over 22,000 installations and over 460,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working in partnership with Cheshire East Council, Warrington Borough Council, and independent experts iChoosr, to help make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.

Councillor Matt Bryan, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Energy and Green Spaces, said:

"This is a great opportunity for residents who may be considering installing solar PV in their home to find out more about the process and get a quote from pre-approved installers in the area. By using group-buying power, residents can expect a more competitive price compared to the open market and once installed they can help cut future energy bills.

It's really simple to register online and there is no obligation to accept the recommendation made."

Residents have until 10pm on Friday, 27 October 2023 to register their interest in the scheme. To find out more and to register, visit: https://www.solartogether.co.uk/cheshire-west-and-chester

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, where installers bid to provide the service to you and others registered households. They can 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.

Advice on other home energy schemes and support for those who are worried about the rising cost of energy bills, food and transport can be found on the Council's website. Visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/homeenergyhelp