A scheme to help residents and businesses generate renewable energy through solar panels, cutting energy costs and carbon footprint, has reopened in the Royal Borough.
The Royal Borough has joined forces with neighbouring unitary authorities 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, should register as soon as possible.
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
1. Householders and businesses can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation. The more registrations, the better the deal should be
2. Pre-vetted solar installers will bid for the work in a reverse ‘auction’. With many potential sellers, the most competitive offers win the auction.
3. After the auction, registered households and businesses will be emailed a personal recommendation, including the costs and specifications for their property for a complete solar panel installation
4. If the recommendation is accepted, the installation details will be confirmed with a technical survey after which a date can be set for the installation.
The Royal Borough’s Braywick Nature Centre has had solar panels and a battery installed under last year’s Solar Together scheme. These will support the council’s decarbonisation efforts and serve as a valuable educational resource for the visiting schools and members of the public.
Councillor Karen Davies, cabinet member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “We are working with independent experts to get the best deal for residents and businesses who want to, and are financially able to, future-proof their energy source through solar panels.
“By generating your own electricity, you can save money on your electricity bills.
“The sun is also a clean energy source, and residents and businesses would be actively contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and towards a greener future.
“This scheme is aimed to make the process as easy, simple and hassle-free as possible, so register now and see what is possible.”
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.
There is dedicated Solar Together assistance for residents to discuss their options. Either email berkshire@solartogether.co.uk or call 0800 092 0332 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
More information here - Solar Together: Purchasing scheme for solar panels | Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (rbwm.gov.uk)