Solar Together renewable energy scheme opens for registrations
Central Bedfordshire Council is pleased to announce participation in the Solar Together scheme to enable homeowners and small businesses to invest in renewables through a group buying scheme for solar panels, with scope to also include battery storage and an Electric Vehicle chargepoint where feasible.
Alongside Bedford Borough Council and Luton Borough Council and in conjunction with independent experts, iChoosr, homeowners and small businesses can install renewable technology to save money on energy bills and reduce carbon emissions, all helping the environment.
Solar Together Bedfordshire will enable homeowners and small businesses to access high-quality installation from pre-approved installers at a competitive price. The innovative scheme builds on four years of over 7,000 successful installations from Solar Together programmes previously run across the UK.
Homeowners and small businesses can register for free online and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.
Councillor Steven Dixon, Executive Member for Sustainability and Transformation, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to homeowners and small businesses in Central Bedfordshire. The group-buying scheme is available to those without renewable energy infrastructure at home as well as those who wish to further increase their independence from the grid.
With energy prices rising we want to be able to facilitate access to investing in renewable energy for resident’s homes and businesses. We hope the partnership will encourage residents who are able to, to transition to clean energy.”
As outlined in our Sustainability Plan, we are committed to working towards our goal of net-zero by 2030 and this project is helping contribute towards our ambitious target.”
How does it work?
- From 9 May: Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
- Pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in an auction on 14 June. 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.
Further details on the scheme are available to read on the council’s website and the Solar Together Bedfordshire website.