Solar Together reopens in west Cheshire offering residents affordable renewable energy

West Cheshire residents are able to benefit from a community-led solar panel initiative that will boost local renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions and help households save on energy bills.

Residents across the borough 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.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has, for the third year running, joined Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council to offer the initiative to Cheshire residents.

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’s free to register on the Solar Together website, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Cheshire West and Chester 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.

Rob Kinder, a resident of west Cheshire, recently shared their experience with Solar Together. Rob said: “With the costs of energy going up so high, we couldn’t afford not to do it. We’ve been so impressed with the amount of energy they actually generate and it’s a nice feeling that you’re generating your own power. The installers were really thorough and we’ve already recommended them to friends.”

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 help desks 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.

Cllr Paul Donovan, Cabinet Member for Democracy, Workforce and Communities, said: “This is the third year that we’re offering residents in west Cheshire the chance to invest in renewable energy through the Solar Together initiative. 447 households have already benefited from having solar panels or batteries installed over the last two years, providing people with the opportunity to generate their own energy, make savings on their bills and play their part helping the borough to reach its net zero target.

“If you have been considering if solar energy could work for you, this is a great opportunity to find out and receive a no-obligation quote from a trusted provider.”

Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added: “With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of west Cheshire 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, in west Cheshire Solar Together has delivered more than 400 installations – leading to more than 330 tonnes of avoided carbon emissions.

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.