Residents Offered Chance To Save Money Through Solar Panel Initiative

Reading’s residents are being encouraged to save on energy bills, cut carbon emissions and boost local renewable energy generation by registering for solar panels in the most cost-effective and hassle-free way possible.

The Solar Together initiative is allowing residents to take advantage of competitive rates on solar panels and battery storage thanks to a group-buying scheme in operation across a number of Berkshire councils.

It is free to register and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Reading Borough Council is working in partnership with Bracknell Forest, Wokingham Borough and West Berkshire Councils, along with independent experts iChoosr, to help as many residents as possible make the transition to clean energy.

The Solar Together scheme(www.solartogether.co.uk/reading) is there to help Reading’s homeowners 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 programme run across the UK. To date Solar Together has delivered over 17,000 installations and over 350,000 tonnes of avoided lifetime carbon emissions. 

“Most residents are concerned with the energy crisis and rising energy bills, so I’m really pleased we’re able to offer them competitive rates on solar panels so they can consider this as a way forward to move towards cheaper and more environmentally-friendly energy consumption in their homes. Any residents who make the switch and take advantage of these group-buying rates are helping us towards our goal for Reading to be carbon net zero by 2030”.

Cllr Ellie Emberson, Lead Member for Housing

“In order to work towards our net zero carbon target by 2030, we need everyone to play their part – the council, residents, businesses and organisations. This solar scheme is a great way in for local residents.

We know that taken as a whole, small changes can make a huge difference and we want to help as many residents as possible make the transition to clean energy in a cost effective way.

There is no doubt the ongoing cost of living crisis means not everyone will be able to invest at this time, but for those households who are fortunate enough to be able to, I would urge them to take some time to look into this initiative and the longer term benefits it could bring to households in terms of future savings on energy bills, and our local efforts to boost renewable energy and cut on carbon emissions.”

Cllr John Ennis, Lead Member for Climate & Transport Strategy

How does it work?

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

“With energy prices continuing to increase, residents of Reading 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.”

Marie-Louise Abretti, iChoosr UK Solar Manager

Residents interested in finding out more about the Solar Together scheme should go to www.reading.gov.uk/housing/solar-together