Bedford Borough Council’s community-led renewable energy project, Solar Together, is returning in 2023 after almost 900 residents signed up for the scheme last year.
And the council is hoping that even more people will join the scheme this year.
The group-buying initiative boosts local renewable energy generation, cuts carbon emissions and saves on energy bills using pre-approved installers.
The Solar Together scheme has been running for six years across the UK and has delivered over 17,000 installations and over 350,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.
In 2022, nearly 2,500 Bedfordshire residents registered to learn more about what was possible for their homes. Of these, nearly 900 homeowners accepted an offer.
Cathi, who had eight panels and battery storage installed in Bedford, said she was really happy with her solar panels and would recommend Solar Together to her friends.
Steve, also from Bedford, had six panels and battery storage installed.
“The installation team were fantastic and explained everything before they left,” he said.
“Everything was left clean and tidy. I have already recommended Solar Together to friends and family.”
Bedford Borough residents can register their interest in the group-buying 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.
It also increases independence from the grid, something that many applicants expressed as an interest. It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.
Bedford Borough Council are working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough Council, and independent experts iChoosr, to make the transition to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.
Jim Weir, portfolio holder for environment, highways and transport, said, “This is an excellent scheme that offers residents of Bedford Borough considering solar panels on their home the opportunity to learn more about the benefits with a no-obligation quotation at a competitive price.
“The first Solar Together project achieved some really good results and we learnt a great deal which I’m sure will enable this second project to be even more successful. This community-led scheme will boost renewable energy generations, cut carbon emissions, and save on energy bills in Bedford Borough.”
How does it work?
- householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation at solartogether.co.uk/bedford/home
- pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction. 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.
Marie-Louise Abretti, iChoosr UK Solar Manager, added, “With energy prices continuing to increase, residents of Bedfordshire 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.”
iChoosr has worked with 210 UK local authorities on its collective energy-switching schemes. iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. Over 116 schemes led to 157,000 residents installing solar PV systems
