Solar Together Leicestershire
Solar Together Leicestershire 2024 is now closed for registration. A further scheme will be available in summer 2025
We are committed to achieving net zero as an organisation by 2030 and to supporting the district in becoming net zero by 2050. Supporting our community to install solar panels will help to achieve this by reducing reliance on grid electricity and reducing carbon emissions. Generating free renewable electricity also means lower energy bills.
We have partnered with independent experts in group-buying, iChoosr Ltd, to bring this opportunity to Blaby District’s homeowners.
Solar Together Leicestershire is an innovative new scheme offering high-quality solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage. It is a group-buying scheme, which brings Leicestershire households together to get high-quality solar panels at a competitive price, helping you through the process and keeping you informed at every stage.
The MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certifies low-carbon products and installations and demonstrates adherence to recognised industry standards; highlighting quality, competency and compliance. It also provides market price indications for the industry.
iChoosr compare the auction results with this benchmark and typically see 10-20% savings against the average market price. It will always be possible to get 'cheaper quotes' on the basis that Solar Together are providing a quote for a quality installation at a competitive price.
The scheme does not offer 'cheap solar' as this would involve a likely lower quality of equipment and workmanship. Comparisons need to be made on a like for like basis.
Planning Permission
Solar PV installations are considered a 'permitted development' and will generally not need planning permission. However, in some cases, such as in Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings, planning permission may be required. For planning advice please visit the link below.
Do you already have solar panels installed?
You can also register to have battery storage added to your existing solar panels to maximise the benefits of your system. You can register using the link below.
How does it work?
1. Registration: Free, no obligation registration is open from 12 June at the Solar Together website. To register, you simply provide details about your roof, such as its size and orientation.
2. Auction: An ‘auction’ will be held where pre-vetted solar installers will submit bids for the work. The more people that register, the better the deal should be for each household. The installer with the most competitive package will win the auction.
3. Personal recommendation: You will be emailed your personal recommendation based on your registration details. This includes your costs and specifications of your system.
4. You decide: The decision is then yours whether you want to accept your recommendation. There is no obligation to continue. You will have six weeks to decide and will be invited to an information session.
5. Installation: If you accept, the winning installer will contact you to survey your roof and set an installation date. All installations aim to be completed six months after you accept.
Helpdesk support
Telephone and email support 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. Email leicestershire@solartogether.co.uk for more help, or call 0800 048 8362 from Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm.
Find out more
For more information, visit the Solar Together website listed below, where you can register for the scheme and get in touch with the helpdesk.
About iChoosr
iChoosr was founded in 2008 and is privately owned by two co-founders. Before it entered the UK energy market in 2012, it focused on group-buying schemes in the Netherlands and Belgium. It now works with community leaders helping households select energy and solar power suppliers. As in the UK, its operations continue to grow across Europe, North America and Japan.
IChoosr receive a referral fee from installers for each completed installation which is used to run the scheme. A proportion of this is shared with participating councils to cover the costs of the direct mail and administration for current and future schemes within their area.