A green energy scheme helping residents and businesses generate renewable energy through solar panels, cutting energy costs and carbon footprint, has again reopened in the Royal Borough.
The Royal Borough has once again joined forces with neighbouring councils to group bid for cheaper installation of solar panels through Solar Together.
A resident or business owner, with permission from the property owner to install the panels, can now register until 9 August.
The scheme 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 applications are grouped together, and reputable installation companies then bid to carry out the work through a reverse auction overseen by a company called iChoosr.
The four simple steps to join the scheme are:
Householders and businesses register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation. The more registrations, the better the deal should be.
Pre-vetted solar installers bid for the work in a reverse ‘auction’. With many potential sellers, the most competitive offers win the auction.
After the auction, registered households and businesses are emailed a personal recommendation, including costs and specifications for their property for a complete solar panel installation.
If the recommendation is accepted, the installation details are confirmed with a technical survey, after which a date can be set for the installation.
The partnership is cost-neutral for the Royal Borough and has been adopted as part of sustainability commitments to give residents and businesses the opportunity to create greener energy.
Andrew Durrant, Executive Director of Place Services, said: “We are excited to continue working with independent experts to get the best deal for residents and businesses to future-proof their energy source through solar panels. The scheme is cost neutral for the council and has been really successful so far.
“In the past two schemes there have been approximately 300 properties with solar panels installed, with around 208 installations including batteries. Over the 25-year lifetime of the panels, it is estimated that almost 3,500 tonnes of carbon will be saved.
“By generating your own electricity, you can save money on your electricity bills and actively contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and towards a greener future.
“This scheme supports our strategic aim to create a cleaner, greener, safer and more prosperous borough.”
There is dedicated Solar Together assistance for residents to discuss their options. You can email berkshire@solartogether.co.uk or call 0800 056 8667 during working hours.
