Solar Together launches in Suffolk - offering residents affordable renewable energy sources

Suffolk residents will boost local renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions, and save on energy bills with a community-led solar panel initiative.

Residents of Suffolk can come together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage. Solar Together Suffolk helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from qualified installers.

Suffolk residents can join 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. The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid.

It’s free to register at www.solartogether.co.uk/suffolk, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Suffolk’s councils are working in partnership with iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the transition to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.

Councillor Gerald Kelly, chair of Suffolk’s Environment Portfolio Holders Group, said:

“Solar Together Suffolk has been successfully running for six years now, seeing hundreds of solar and battery installations across the county.

“A recent survey of Suffolk customers showed that the main reason for their installation was to do good for the climate and environment, followed by saving money on bills and reducing their reliance on the grid.

“Homes account for nearly a quarter of all Suffolk’s CO2 emissions. Through the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan, we are helping homeowners and landlords make their homes and lifestyles as sustainable and energy efficient as possible. This can be through improving insulation, how homes are heated, electric vehicle infrastructure, or solar panels and batteries.”

Richard from Bures, near Sudbury, recently shared his experience with Solar Together Suffolk and said:

"Excellent! Solar Together Suffolk took all the hassle of finding a provider, and the group-buying secured me a better discount than trying to do this on my own. It was a no-brainer."

How does it work?

• Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation at www.solartogether.co.uk/suffolk
• 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, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added:

“With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of Suffolk 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 been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems. To date, Solar Together has installed 13,750 solar panels in Suffolk, reducing carbon emissions by 27,100 tonnes over 25 years – equivalent to 15,000 cars off the road in that time!

iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 180 schemes have led to 178,000 residents installing solar PV systems.