Group-buying aims to make purchasing solar panels and batteries much more accessible and affordable than if residents were to individually buy solar panels on their own.
So far, there have been 43 Solar Together schemes across 11 local authorities in the UK since 2015. As part of these schemes, more than 250,000 panels have been installed, which has avoided 460,000 tonnes of carbon overall.
The council has collaborated with neighbouring Cheshire authorities and independent experts iChoosr, to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible for homeowners and businesses across the sub-region.
Warrington residents can now register their interest for the scheme, which 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 and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate.
All residents living in Warrington who own their own house or have permission from their landlord to install a solar PV system can register for the scheme.
Although solar panels require upfront investment to install, they can increase the value of your home and save money on the cost of your energy bills.
How to be part of the scheme
- Residents can register their details on the Solar Together website www.solartogether.co.uk/warrington.
- Solar Together hold a reverse auction with pre-vetted installers, who compete to offer registrants the most competitive price.
- Registrants receive a personal recommendation for their home based on the information provided during registration.
- Registrants can then decide if they want to accept the recommendation, which will include information about the winning installer, the proposed installation, costs and savings. There is no obligation to go forward with the recommendation.
- If the recommendation is accepted, the winning installer will arrange a roof survey and set an installation date. All installations aim to be complete within six months of acceptance.
Cllr Janet Henshaw, cabinet member for sustainability and climate change, said: “We are pleased to have joined other local councils in Cheshire to work together and help facilitate this Solar Together initiative.
“This is a fantastic chance for local residents interested in solar power to explore group-buying as a route to generate your own energy.
“By producing your own clean electricity, you will be helping reduce climate damaging pollution in line with international, national and local targets.
“If you have been considering installing solar panels on your home, I’d urge you to consider registering to Solar Together to see if the scheme is suitable for you and how much you could save both to help the climate and save on your energy bills.”
For more information about the Solar Together scheme, visit: www.solartogether.co.uk/warrington.
To find out other ways you can take climate action, read the Warrington Climate Emergency Strategy or sign up to the new Climate Emergency newsletter.