The Eco Briefing Solar panel group-buying scheme again open for registrations

Swindon residents have the opportunity to come together to invest in renewable energy through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage.

Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council are working with iChoosr, independent experts in group-buying, to launch a second Solar Together scheme, following the success of the first in 2022.

Since the first round of the scheme launched in May 2022, over 1,500 home owners across Wiltshire and Swindon have so far installed over 8,500 solar panels and 720 storage batteries to benefit from generating their own renewable energy. This is also estimated to shrink the carbon footprint of these households by more than 650,000 kilograms of Carbon Dioxide in total.

The scheme offers solar panels with optional battery storage and electric vehicle charge points, as well as 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.

There is also the chance to discuss options to divert solar energy to power the immersion heater in your hot water tank if you have one.

It is free to register, without any obligation to continue and the procedure is simple:

- Registration: you can register online at www. solartogether.co.uk/Swindon by providing details about your roof, such as its size and orientation (a roof’s position relative to the sun, for example south facing). The more people register, the better the deal should be for each household

- Auction: a list of prevetted solar installers will bid for the work and the most competitive offer wins the auction

- Personal recommendation: you will then be emailed a personal recommendation for your home

- You decide: you will have six weeks to decide if you want to accept the recommendation

- Installation: if you accept, the winning installer will contact you to survey your roof and set an installation date

The Solar Together website has lots of information available to help residents consider whether solar panels are right for them. The independent Energy Savings Trust also provides a comprehensive guide to solar panels on its website, search ‘energy savings trust solar panels’ online.

RIAT tickets selling fast with less than a month to go until showtime

By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk

RIAT is now sold out for Saturday, 15 July, but tickets are still available for Friday and Sunday, 14 and 16 July.

Last year saw the event return following a twoyear hiatus due to covid, with over 250 aircraft participating across the weekend.

Organisers say July’s show is set to be another exciting instalment, with a variety of aircraft already being unveiled as participants such as the Red Arrows, historic Jet ME262 which is making a UK airshow debut and the Spanish Harrier.

Riat is hosted by Royal Air Force Charitable Enterprises. CEO Paul Atherton said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that the public continue to support RIAT, especially during the current economic challenges we are all facing.

“This year promises to be yet another fantastic occasion drawing participants from around the world and demonstrating what a massive event RIAT continues to be.”

On the ground there will also be a lot to see, especially for youngsters who are curious about aviation, with the event’s Techno Zone.

There, industry leaders will bring interactive tech exhibits to capture the imagination of the aviators of tomorrow.

RIAT Proceeds are donated to the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, and tickets are available at www. airtattoo.com

Trust director Justine Morton said: “Every year we are overwhelmed with the amount of young people who come to the show.

“Ensuring that while they’re here, they’re inspired by what they see is a key aim of the charity and to encourage more young people to come, we offer free entry and travel to the show.

“We are really looking forward to this year’s event and hope to see plenty of people on the airfield next month.”