• More homeowners to see the benefits of solar panels and battery storage
• First three rounds of group-buying scheme saw 10,376 solar panels fitted to 1,053 homes
• Installations will cut 752 tonnes of carbon emissions in their first year of use
• 2024 scheme prices achieved were 36% cheaper than typical market price for an average 14-panel system

Many more homes across the Liverpool City Region are set to be fitted with energy-saving solar panels and battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging points with the fourth round of a successful money-saving, group-buying scheme.

So far 1,053 households have benefitted from the first three rounds of the Solar Together scheme, which saw 10,376 solar panels fitted and 752 tonnes of carbon emissions reductions in their first year of use.

Installation of a typical 14-panel solar array was more than a third cheaper than the typical market price during the third round of the Solar Together programme in the city region.

Solar Together helps homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from qualified installers.

Liverpool City Region residents have until 7 November to express an interest in joining the group-buying scheme, which offers solar panels with optional battery storage and EV 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. The scheme allows homeowners to increase their independence from the national grid.

It’s free to register here, and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Local councils in the Liverpool City Region are working in partnership with iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition, to make the transition to clean energy as cost-effective and hassle-free as possible.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, said:

“This scheme has proven its worth by cutting bills and emissions and its success shows that people are prepared to do their bit for the environment when given the opportunity.

“Taking on a project like solar panels can sometimes feel complicated and finding a trustworthy contractor might feel daunting to some residents. Solar Together helps to address those concerns and give residents a simpler way to make the leap.”

Cllr Anthony Burns, Liverpool City Region Cabinet Member for Net Zero, said:

 “We’ve invested heavily in making homes more energy efficient, but reaching net zero by 2035 means we must halve our city region’s energy use in the next decade.

“Solar energy can play a vital role in this transition. Every home and business that generates its own power brings us one step closer to achieving our target.”

How does it work? 

2. Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
4. 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.
6. After the auction, registered households will be emailed a personal recommendation which is specific to the details they submitted in their registration.
8. 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.

Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added:

“We know that residents of the Liverpool City Region 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.”

iChoosr has been collaborating with UK councils since 2015 on its Solar Together scheme, aiming to accelerate the energy transition nationwide. The initiative aims to encourage residents to partake in the collective purchase of solar PV and battery storage systems. To date, Solar Together has installed 10,376 solar panels in Liverpool City Region, which will/have reduced 752 tonnes of carbon emissions in their first year of use.

iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 180 schemes have led to 178,000 residents installing solar PV systems.