Solar Together Helping Households Save on Their Energy Bills

by Chelsea Bailey

Bedford Borough Council’s Solar Together scheme is helping residents to boost local renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions, and save on their energy bills.

Solar Together is a group-buying scheme that helps households get a reduced price on the installation of solar panels and battery storage. All residents that are living in one of the participating council areas, and those who either own their house or have permission from their landlord to install a solar PV system, can register for the scheme.

Solar Together will help boost confidence around solar panels

It is difficult to estimate the exact number of solar panels in the UK, but as of the end of June 2022, there was a total of 14.0 GW installed in UK solar capacity across 1,178,241 installations. This is an increase of 2.4% (330 MW) since June 2021

The price of a solar PV system has decreased compared to ten years ago by 82% due to an increase in international production, more efficient production methods, and developments in technology.

However, due to inflation and increased demand, purchasing a solar PV system remains expensive, which is why it is important for local authorities to understand how they can gain the best value.

In 2022, Bedford Borough Council promoted the Solar Together scheme alongside other local authorities.

Nearly 2,500 residents registered to learn more about what is possible for their homes. Of these residents, nearly 900 homeowners installed solar and/or battery storage.

The scheme has returned this year to help local homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for quality installation for pre-approved installers.

To date, Solar Together has delivered over 17,000 installations and over 350,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions.

Solar panels could save residents up to 0.9 tonnes of carbon

Housing Industry Leaders spoke to Paul Pace, Chief Officer for Environment at Bedford Borough Council about Solar Together.

Paul stated that a solar PV system will benefit residents by generating electricity for them:

By using the electricity generated by the solar PV system in a home, the resident will significantly reduce the amount of electricity that they would normally purchase from their energy supplier.

As an example of this, Paul explained: “If you have an annual electricity usage of 2,000 kWh, and you cover 1,000 kWh of that with the energy from your solar PV system, you would be saving an annual amount of £340.”

The main reason why local councils are offering solar PV systems is to help the UK Government meet its 2050 net zero targets. As solar panels produce clean energy, they help residents prevent up to 0.9 tonnes of carbon emissions on an annual basis.

By promoting solar panel installations, councils aim to help residents save money on their energy expenses in the long-term.

Paul highlighted that solar PV systems can work efficiently with other technologies: “You can save even more by installing battery storage alongside the solar panels to store the generated electricity and use it when you need it.”

An auction will take place to determine the set price for solar systems

For residents to get involved in the Solar Together scheme, applicants must register. Once the details have been submitted, there will be an auction, with the lowest bid winning.

The results from the auction will set the price of all solar and battery systems delivered by the winning installer. A personal recommendation will be sent out to the applicant for consideration.

After this, Paul revealed that support will be provided to the applicants: “There is no obligation quote, and the customer can decide whether to accept or not. There will be a webinar with more information to help with the decision alongside the personal recommendation.”

Paul Pace Chief Officer for Environment Bedford Borough Council

Solar PV systems will also reduce the vulnerability to fluctuations in energy prices and disruptions in the power supply.

By installing solar panels, residents will make a long-term investment that can increase the value of their property.

If the quote is accepted, a deposit will be paid and a site survey carried out, once complete and paid, terms and conditions are signed and returned. After this, the installation can take place.

Schemes like this are essential to make it more attractive for residents to adopt solar energy. By encouraging locals to install solar PV systems, councils can promote sustainability, support the local economy, and contribute to the transition to a more resilient energy system.