Over the past twelve months, East Herts residents have used the scheme to install 1,438 solar panels which represents a collective investment of over £1.7 million in solar power. This will generate 12GWh of energy over 25 years leading to a carbon reduction of 2,791 tonnes over that time.
The Solar Together scheme enables people to come together to invest in solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charging points. Those who have already invested in solar panels can benefit from retrofitted battery storage to help them get more from the renewable energy they generate. Participants can access expert, independent advice and get a competitive offer from a trust-worthy, pre-vetted installer.
East Herts Council is working in partnership with the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP) and independent solar power experts, iChoosr, to deliver the scheme. It is free to register for Solar Together and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.
Councillor Tim Hoskin, East Herts Council’s executive member for Environmental Sustainability, said: “It’s great to see how many people have already taken advantage of the Solar Together scheme. Making it easier for people to cut carbon emissions and lower their energy bills is a top priority for East Herts Council’s new joint administration. We hope to see even stronger take-up of Solar Together over the next year.”
Working in partnership with district councils and local authorities, Solar Together has been operating across the UK over the past five years, delivering more than 22,000 installations and over 460 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions. Savings made by group-buying range from 15-35% against the market average.
Householders can register online to become part of a buying group for free and without obligation by following this link:
Solar Together | East Hertfordshire District Council
Following registration, the process is as follows:
• Pre-vetted UK solar PV suppliers compete in an auction to offer registered households the most competitive price. Suppliers can offer competitive pricing because the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies. They then pass these on to customers through lower prices for installations.
• Following the auction, registered households are emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted when they registered.
• If households choose to accept their recommendation, the specifics of their installation are 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, allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.
