You can invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage, with the Hertfordshire-wide scheme launching today (27 January 2025).
Solar Together helps homeowners to feel confident they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from qualified installers.
Hertsmere residents can join the scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for people who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to get more from the renewable energy they generate. The scheme enables homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid, while also lowering carbon emissions.
It’s free to register, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Hertfordshire County Council is working in partnership with iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the move to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.
How does it work?
- Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
- 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 ensure residents make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.
Cllr Paul Richards, our Portfolio Holder for Environmental Sustainability and Net Zero and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “It’s great to see the return of Solar Together in Hertsmere as the scheme provides a valuable option for residents who are often grateful for some help to navigate what can be a complex market, in terms of getting the right rooftop solar systems in place for their homes.
“The scheme enables homeowners to feel reassured that they are getting a good price and excellent service. Installing solar panels can make a significant difference in reducing energy costs, which is obviously hugely important when considering how so many people are struggling with the cost of living.
“It also means that, as a borough, we are helping to do what we can locally to rise to the challenge posed by the global climate emergency.”
Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added: “With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of Hertfordshire 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 more than 16,480 solar panels in Hertfordshire, reducing carbon emissions by 31,180 tonnes over 25 years – equivalent to 17,000 cars off the road in that time.
iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 200 schemes have led to 185,000 residents installing solar PV systems.
The previous schemes have seen 42 households and businesses in Hertsmere invest more than £450,000 in 431 solar panels which have already had an estimated carbon saving of over 32,883kg CO2.
