Registration is now closed. For those who have registered, you should expect to be contacted with an offer from the 18 October.
For any queries, contact the iChoosr helpdesk on 0800 014 8428 or email west-of-england@solartogether.co.uk
Solar Together
The council declared a climate emergency in 2019. Two key actions in our commitment to tackling climate change include:
- an overarching goal to become carbon neutral by 2030
- encouraging greener choices in local infrastructure, building and planning
A key part of reaching these goals is access to green energy sources, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and batteries.
With this in mind we have partnered with an independent group-buying collective, iChoosr Ltd, as well as neighbouring West of England authorities, to make the purchase of solar panels more accessible.
Solar Together is an innovative scheme which uses the collective bargaining power of local households to access panels and installation at a competitive price.
How it works
Solar Together involves a five-step process:
1. Registration
You can register for free and with no obligation to buy. The registration period will be open from 23 August to 28 September. To register, you will need to provide details of your roof size and orientation.
To find out your roof size for a gable roof, first calculate the length of the roof. This will be the longest wall of the house. Then multiply this by your roof slope height, and multiply this by two.
- For example, with a roof slope height of 7m and a 9m roof length, the calculation would be (7m x 9m) x 2 = 126m2.
For a flat roof, multiply the length by the width.
- For example 4m x 3m = 12m2 of roof.
To find out your roof orientation, you can either use a compass or Google Maps.
Google Maps are oriented North. Once you have located your house on the map, check which way your roof is facing. This will be the side you want to install the panels. For example, if your roof faces towards the bottom of the screen, then you have a south facing roof.
2. Auction
The approved solar installers will bid for the work in a reverse auction. The most competitive offer wins the auction. The auction will be held on 28 September.
3. Personal recommendation
After the auction, you will be emailed a personal recommendation for your home. You will be contacted starting the week of 18 October. The recommendation will be based on the details you provided during registration. It will include costs and specification for a complete solar panel installation.
4. Your decision
It is then your decision whether to accept the recommendation. There is no obligation to continue. You will have until 26 November to decide. You will be invited to an online information session prior to this end date.
5. Installation
If you accept, the winning installer will contact you to survey your roof and set an installation date. All installations are planned to be completed by the end of January 2022.
You can also watch this short video, which explains the process.
If you already have solar panels
If you already have solar panels, but would like to add a battery to your system, you can still participate in the scheme. Please register your interest on our Solar Together page.
Planning permission
Solar PV installations are considered a 'permitted development' and will not usually need planning permission. However, in some cases, such as in Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings, planning permission may be required.
See our Planning pages on permitted development for more information.
Additional support
If you have questions visit the Solar Together frequently asked questions webpage. If you need additional support, help is available from the Solar Together helpdesk via email or telephone. There will also be webinar sessions.
Webinars will be held on the following dates: to be confirmed.