Royal Borough helps residents boost renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions and save on energy bills
A new initiative now available in the Royal Borough will help residents generate their own renewable energy, cut their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills.
Solar Together is a group purchasing scheme for solar panels being launched today (Monday 9th May), helping incentivise renewable energy uptake among Royal Borough residents. It will give them confidence when installing solar panels that they are paying a competitive price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.
From today residents can join the group-buying scheme offering solar panels with optional battery storage and electric vehicle charging 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.
The council is working in partnership with independent experts iChoosr to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible. It’s free to register and there’s no obligation to go ahead with an installation.
Businesses are also able to participate in the scheme. The business should be the owner of its roof, or have approval of the owner.
There are four simple steps to join the scheme. From today householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation. The more people that register, the better the deal should be for each household.
Then, on 14th June, approved solar installers will bid for the work in a reverse ‘auction’. There is one buyer and many potential sellers and the most competitive offer, from these pre-vetted installers, wins the auction.
After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation, including the costs and specification for a complete solar panel installation
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.
Councillor Donna Stimson, cabinet member for climate action and sustainability, said: “Our Environment and Climate Strategy makes a commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 at the latest and the delivery of a group solar purchasing scheme is one of the many measures we are undertaking to help reach this target.
“We want to support our residents in making the switch to clean, green energy in a cost-effective and hassle-free way possible, and the Solar Together scheme helps them do this. As we all look to reduce our carbon footprint and limit the impact we have on our planet, solar panel installations are beneficial for the environment – it means you can be less reliant on energy suppliers and contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and a sustainable future, while saving on energy bills.
“This scheme comes at a time when energy bills are rising substantially and solar panel upgrades will help families save on fuel bills, while supporting the shift to cleaner, greener energy sources. As a council, we also offer support to low-income families in the borough to help improve the energy efficiency of their homes having recently secured £1.3m from the Government’s Sustainable Warmth scheme.”
Marie-Louise Abretti, iChoosr UK Solar Manager, said: “With energy prices continuing to increase, residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead 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.”
For more information and to register, visit https://solartogether.co.uk/windsor-and-maidenhead/home or see our website at https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/environment-and-waste/energy-and-sustainability/solar-together-purchasing-scheme-solar-panels . For enquiries, please email windsor-and-maidenhead@solartogether.co.uk or call 0800 056 8667 Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.