Essex residents are coming together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage. Solar Together helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.
Essex residents can join the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid.
It is free to register here, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Essex County Council is working in partnership with iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the transition to clean energy 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: “Powering your home with clean energy is a positive investment. It’s one way to contribute to a greener future by reducing the environmental impact and dependency on the grid. This scheme makes it easier to purchase high quality solar panels by using the power of group buying. Residents can achieve a competitive price compared to the open market. We are pleased to support the scheme and would encourage anyone considering purchasing solar panels to find out more about Solar Together Essex.”
John Wright, a resident of Clacton-on-Sea, recently shared his experience with Solar Together, highly recommending the scheme to homeowners interested in solar energy. According to Mr. Wright, “The energy crisis definitely made me more aware of rising energy costs… it’s very much an investment, and I don’t see it simply as an outlay. It’s a long-term solution. So, I’d say, do it!”
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 energy prices continuing to increase, 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.
