Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.
Solar panels on the roof

What is Solar Together West of England?

For a second time, we are working in partnership with independent experts iChoosr and local councils to give homeowners the opportunity to generate renewable energy at home through a group-buying solar panel scheme.

Solar Together operates on a group-buying approach, with the core principle that by coming together homeowners will have enhanced buying power which allows the approved providers to offer a better price than individual homeowners might get from entering the market alone.

Man holding solar panel
Solar Together West of England

Solar panels, battery storage and EV charging

The first round of Solar Together West of England, in 2021, delivered 947 installations totalling 9,513 panels or 3.5MW of installed generation capacity. This equates an estimated 18,000 tonnes of carbon reduction over 25 years. The price achieved for the average 14-panel system was a 22% discount on the typical market price for an equivalent system at that time.

Solar Together West of England offers solar panels with optional battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charge points. It also offers battery storage installation and EV charge points for residents who have already invested in solar panels and are looking to maximise how much of their self-generated energy they can use at home and become less dependent on electricity from the grid.

Get started now

Am I eligible?

To register for the scheme, residents must either own their own house or have permission from the landlord to install solar panels. Small and medium-sized enterprises (non-domestic) and Commonhold Associations meeting this requirement can also participate.

How does it work?

1. Register

Register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.

Registration is open between 21 August – 27 October.

2. Auction

Our approved solar installers will bid for the work in a reverse ‘auction’. The most competitive offer, from these pre-vetted installers, wins the auction.

3. Personal recommendation

You will be emailed a personal recommendation for your home based on the details you provided during registration. This will include the costs and specifications for a complete solar panel installation.

4. You decide

The decision is then yours as to whether you want to accept your recommendation. There is no obligation to continue. You will have four weeks to decide.

5. Installation

If you accept, the winning installer will contact you to survey your roof and set an installation date. All installations are planned to be completed six months after accepting.

Helpdesk support

Telephone and email support 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.

More information

Check with your local council for information about whether you will need to make an application for planning permission or other consents.

Visit your council’s energy advice pages for information about other schemes offered to residents to help improve home energy efficiency.

Lendology CIC are a not-for-profit, certified carbon neutral lender working in partnership with local councils since 2005.  Find out more about their loan scheme for homeowners to help pay for solar panels and other renewable energy measures.

Solar Together West of England is delivering on our net zero commitments to decarbonise the energy system and increase local renewable energy as part of the West of England Climate and Ecological Strategy and Action Plan.

You might be interested in

Wind farm Image credit: Harry Cunningham What we're doing for the environment
Dan Norris About us
Retrofit West Homeowner Advice