Solar Together scheme

Local residents are being offered an easy way to invest in solar panels and battery storage to power their homes with clean energy and support the council’s net zero carbon ambitions

Bath and North East Somerset Council is participating in the Solar Together West of England Scheme, a group-buying scheme that helps residents install solar panels and battery storage on their homes. The scheme is being delivered in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and their partner iChoosr Ltd, independent experts in group-buying.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has declared a climate emergency and committed to providing the leadership for the district to become carbon neutral by 2030. One of the key priorities to achieve this is a rapid and large-scale increase in local renewable energy generation.

Councillor Sarah Warren deputy leader, Climate Emergency and Sustainable Travel said: “This scheme makes it easier for homeowners across B&NES to make the switch to renewable energy and reduce their energy bills.

“By installing solar panels and producing renewable electricity for your home or business, you will be playing your part in supporting our region’s shared ambition to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2020.

“Because of the way the scheme works, the more people that participate, the better the price that Solar Together can secure, and the more renewable energy will be generated by B&NES residents.”

Homeowners can register with the Solar Together West of England group-buying scheme for free before 28 September, providing details about their roof size and orientation. An auction will be held at which pre-vetted solar installers will submit bids for the work. Homeowners will then be sent costs and specifications for their system, but there is no obligation to proceed to installation.

Installations will generally not need planning permission, however in some cases, such as in Conservation Areas or on a Listed Building, planning permission may be required. There is more information on the council website: https://www.energyathome.org.uk/planning

Residents can also register to have battery storage added to their existing solar panels to maximise the benefits of their system.

Owner-occupiers and landlords of B&NES homes can apply for a loan to help spread the cost of the solar or battery installation. More information here: https://www.energyathome.org.uk/grants-and-support

More information on the Solar Together West of England Scheme can be found on the council’s website