Solar energy scheme returns to Broadland and South Norfolk
Broadland District and South Norfolk Councils are once again helping residents and small businesses cut carbon emissions and save on their energy bills with the community initiative Solar Together.
Solar Together is a group buying scheme that helps make solar panels and battery storage more affordable. It also helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.
South Norfolk Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Graham Minshull, said:
“With the recent hikes in energy prices, there has never been a better time to move to solar energy. It can help both cut your monthly outgoings as well as reduce your carbon footprint. By teaming up with Solar Together and harnessing the power of bulk buying, we can offer our residents really competitive prices.”
Broadland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environmental Excellence, Cllr Judy Leggett, said:
“Interest in solar panels has reached a five year high, which is not surprising given the spiralling energy prices. We are continuing to work with other Norfolk councils to ensure our residents are offered a good price from an approved and vetted installer.”
Over the past four years, Solar Together has delivered over 7,000 installations and helped to prevent over 130,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The scheme offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points. It also offers retrofit battery storage for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate, as well as increase their independence from the grid.
Broadland District and South Norfolk Councils are working in partnership with other Norfolk councils and independent experts iChoosr, to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible. It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.
On 27 September pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers will participate in an 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, iChoosr UK Solar Manager added: “With energy prices continuing to increase, people 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 a strong track record of delivering group purchase schemes for local authorities. It has worked with 160 UK local authorities on its collective energy switching schemes. Furthermore, in 2018 UK councils, in collaboration with iChoosr, initiated their collective purchase schemes for solar PV systems. iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. Over 70 schemes led to 110,000 residents installing solar PV systems.
Householders can register online for free and without obligation via the Solar Together Broadland webpage or the Solar Together South Norfolk webpage.