Sandwell residents will boost local renewable energy generation, cut carbon emissions, and save on energy bills with a community-led solar panel initiative
Sandwell residents are coming together to invest in renewable energy sources through a group-buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage. Solar Together helps homeowners feel confident they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation from qualified installers.
Residents can join 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 and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation. Birmingham City Council, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Solihull Council and Sandwell Council 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. The final date for registration is Friday 6 June 2025.
Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure, Councillor Peter Hughes, said:
“We know that solar power is cleaner and greener than many other forms of electicity generation so I would encourage anyone interested to look into this opportunity. By registering for information our residents could get access to solar power generation which they can either accept or not. Sandwell also offers a wide range of support services and money-saving tips on our Support Sandwell website."
How does it work?
● Householders can register online to become part of the group for free and without obligation.
● 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 help desks 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: “With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of the West Midlands 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.
iChoosr’s schemes have been delivered in partnership with local authorities in five countries. More than 200 schemes have led to 191,000 homeowners installing solar PV or battery storage systems.