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Join Solar Together and save
Group-buying energy scheme, Solar Together, is back for 2024, helping residents in Blaby District invest in solar panels to save on energy bills and cut carbon emissions.
With Solar Together Blaby District Council is working alongside neighbouring authorities as part of the Green Living Leicestershire Partnership and independent experts iChoosr to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.
The scheme, under the Solar Together Leicestershire umbrella, puts homeowners in touch with fully vetted, pre-approved firms, taking the stress out of searching for the best solar panel and battery deal.
iChoosr’s group-buying initiative works on the basis that the more people who take part, the bigger the savings which can be negotiated with trusted installers.
Residents can sign up for free and registrations are now open. Solar Together 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 also feeds into the Council’s ambition of achieving net zero for the District by 2050. For more information and to sign up visit Solar Together.
Julia Smith, Blaby District Council’s Chief Executive Officer, said: "Joining our group-buying scheme, Solar Together, can help take away the stress and uncertainty which may deter many people from investing in solar panels.
"Solar Together makes it easy to take advantage of expert knowledge and reduced rate installations from approved suppliers with support every step of the way. This exciting scheme brought to you by the Green Living Leicestershire Group not only helps residents save money but will also reduce their carbon footprint."
Since the launch of the scheme in 2022 there have been 684 installations, including retrofit batteries, across Leicestershire, with 112 in Blaby District. In the last round the price achieved for a typical 14-panel system was a huge 27% discount on typical market costs. These installations will deliver an estimated 12,000 tonnes of carbon reduction over the next 25 years.
How does it work?
Householders can register online to become part of the Solar Together 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. This means they can pass on these savings with lower prices for installations.
After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation, specific to them.
If they choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey. A date can then be set for the installation of their solar PV system.
Telephone and email helpdesks are on-hand throughout the whole process. There are also information sessions, allowing householders to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.
iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme. To date, Solar Together has installed 6,948 solar panels in Leicestershire, reducing carbon emissions by 12,442 tonnes over 25 years. That is equivalent to 6,799 cars off the road in that time.