Published: Tuesday, 30th August 2022
A new community led initiative will help boost local renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions, and save on energy bills.
Residents are coming together to invest in renewables through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.
Solar Together Norfolk (www.solartogether.co.uk/kings-lynn-and-west-norfolk) helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.
This innovative scheme builds on four years of highly successful Solar Together programme run across the UK. To date Solar Together has delivered over 7,000 installations and over 130,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.
West Norfolk residents can now 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 as well as increase their independence from the grid. Letters will be sent out to homeowners from 5 September highlighting this scheme.
It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. The borough council is working in partnership with other Norfolk district councils and independent experts iChoosr, to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.
Cllr Paul Kunes, Cabinet member for Environment and CO2 reduction said:
“We have a deep and firm commitment to taking actions that will reduce our own impact on the environment and support others to do the same. In June we held our successful climate change business expo, now the focus turns to how our residents can play their part.
“The more people that participate, the better the price we can secure and the more renewable energy will be generated by west Norfolk residents.
“I urge homeowners to register for free and without obligation online before the deadline of 27 September 2022.”
How does it work?
- Householders can register online now to become part of the group for free and without obligation. Register for free before 27 September at solartogether.co.uk/kings-lynn-and-west-norfolk
- Letters will be sent to all households from 5 September 2022 with details of how to register an interest.
- Pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in an auction on 27 September. 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.
As well as registering online, residents can email norfolk@solartogether.co.uk or call 0800 086 8960 for more information. Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am until 5pm.
Marie-Louise Abretti, iChoosr UK Solar Manager added
With energy prices continuing to increase, residents of west Norfolk 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 a strong track record of delivering group purchase schemes for local authorities. It has worked with 160 UK local authorities on its collective energy switching schemes. Furthermore, in 2018 UK councils, in collaboration with iChoosr, initiated their collective purchase schemes for solar PV systems. iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. Over 70 schemes led to 110,000 residents installing solar PV systems.
The Solar Together programme is part of a range of schemes available to help reduce residential carbon emissions including boiler upgrade scheme, ECO flexible energy, Norfolk Warm Homes and more. You can see the full list of what is available to residents here:
west-norfolk.gov.uk/info/20095/energy_and_climate_change/975/residential_emissions