Residents can also opt for battery storage and EV charging. Image: Pexels.
Residents living in Surrey will now be able to install solar panels for less thanks to the relaunch of a community-led initiative.
Supported by Surrey County Council, the scheme will allow residents to invest in renewables and install solar panels at a lower rate, building on the Solar Together programme which previously ran for six years in the county.
To date, the Solar Together initiative has delivered over 17,000 installations.
Alongside solar, residents can also opt for battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints, as well as retrofit battery storage for residents that have already invested in solar panels.
A key aspect of the initiative is that it allows households in Surrey to register their interest with no obligation. Pre-approved solar PV suppliers will then participate in an auction, offering competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to realise greater efficiencies.
Following the auction, registered households will receive a personal recommendation that is specific to the details submitted in their registration. If they choose to accept this recommendation, the specifics of their installation will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date will be set for installation.
Surrey County Council confirmed it is working in partnership with iChoosr, a consumer advice firm that helps households select energy and solar suppliers, to support the rollout of the scheme.
“Our target is to be carbon net zero as a county by 2050, and to achieve this we all need to make changes and play our part. There are lots that residents and the county council can do and are already doing, but installing solar panels will make a huge difference,” said Marisa Heath, Surrey County Council cabinet member for the environment.
“I am pleased we are working with iChoosr on the Solar Together scheme to support our residents to install solar panels, by giving them the reassurance they are doing so in a cost-effective way. We know that the cost of living plays a huge part in this, but I would urge those who are able to invest in solar panels, to really consider getting involved in the scheme.”
Solar Power Portal's publisher Solar Media will host the UK Solar Summit on 27-28 June 2023 in London. The event will explore UK’s new landscape for utility and rooftop solar, looking at the opportunities within a GW+ annual market, and much more. For more information, go to the website.