Community initiative helps residents to cut cost of energy bills

The Solar Together Leicestershire scheme, backed by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, enables people across the borough to come together to invest in renewable energy through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

It also gives homeowners the chance to feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.

The innovative scheme has run across other areas of the UK throughout the last six years, delivering more than 14,000 installations and more than 300,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions. 

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council residents can now join the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points. There is also 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.

It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. The borough council is also working with neighbouring districts and boroughs as part of the Green Living Leicestershire Partnership and independent experts iChoosr, to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and hassle-free as possible.

Executive Member for Climate Change at the Borough Council, Councillor Martin Cartwright said:

"The two combined issues of impact of climate change and the cost of living right now is affecting so many people and homes. Whilst I fully appreciate that solar panels will be the last thought on those struggling with day-to-day costs if you were able to consider solar panels a scheme like ichooser will give you the information and answers to questions that you will have. Combined purchasing is more attractive to some providers. The scheme has proved successful in the past not everyone has gone onto use ichooser irrespective if you choose to or not at least discovering the facts and figures will help you to make an informed decision. The more solar panels installed the lesser the carbon impact from fossil fuels which benefits more than just the home user in the end.”
 

How does the scheme work?

• Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
• 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.

For more information or to register, visit: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/solar