Get cheaper solar panels through bulk buy scheme

Would you like to invest in reducing your energy bills and cut your carbon emissions at the same time? Hertfordshire residents are being invited to come together to invest in renewables for a second time through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

Solar Together Hertfordshire 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. Last year, the scheme helped more than 400 households in North Herts get an average 22% discount on the typical market price of a 14-panel system (the average sized installation). It is free to register on the scheme and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation if you don’t want to.

Councillor Steve Jarvis, Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “This is an innovative scheme offering residents a competitive price when it comes to investing in solar power – the more people who join the scheme at one time the cheaper it will be. It is difficult to give a ballpark figure of what the cost might be, as there are so many variables to consider, but you will get an estimate cost if you register your interest. We know the scheme gives savings of between 20 and 35 per cent, as opposed to households going direct to suppliers themselves – last year the scheme gave residents a 22 per cent discount. It is free for any household to register and there is absolutely no obligation to go ahead if you don’t want to.”

How does it work?

• Interested householders should register online by 27 October to become part of the scheme – there is no cost and no obligation at this stage.  
• Pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers will then participate in a reverse auction. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration across Herts 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, residents in Hertfordshire 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.”

More information: Solar Together