Thanet District Council News Release

NEWS RELEASE

Residents to boost local renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions and save on energy bills with community-led initiative

Thanet residents can now join a scheme to invest in renewable energy through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

Solar Together is helping homeowners in Thanet feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from pre-approved installers.

This innovative scheme builds on six years of highly successful Solar Together programmes, run across the UK. To date, Solar Together has delivered over 14,000 installations and has avoided over 300,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The scheme is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Thanet District Council is working in partnership with independent experts iChoosr, to make the transition to clean energy as cost effective and easy as possible.

Residents who have already invested in solar panels can purchase retrofit battery storage which will help them to get more from the renewable energy they generate and increase their independence from the grid.

Bob Porter, Acting Director of Place for Thanet District Council, said: “Our community is seeking ways to reduce carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and become more independent from the grid. Switching to renewable energy is a great example of the kind of change that can make a real difference. Installing solar panels can help to reduce carbon emissions and put residents back in control of their spend on energy, which is becoming increasingly important.”

How does the scheme work?

Householders can register online to become part of the group without any fee or obligation from 21 March 2023.

Pre-approved UK solar photovoltaic (PV) suppliers will participate in an auction in mid-April 2023. They are able to offer competitive pricing as the volume and geographic concentration makes it possible for them to buy at cheaper rates, which they pass on to customers with lower prices for installations. After the auction, registered households will receive a personal recommendation by email. This recommendation will be specific to the details submitted in their registration.

If households choose to accept their recommendation, a technical survey will be carried out to confirm the specifics of their installation and then a date can be set for installation. Participants in the scheme can access telephone and email help desks throughout the process which, together with information sessions, will allow them to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.

Marie-Louise Abretti, iChoosr UK Solar Manager, said: “With energy prices continuing to increase, Thanet residents 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.”

To find out more and to express your interest in registering for the scheme, visit the Solar Together website.