From Tuesday, 1 April 2025, residents of Bedford Borough will have the opportunity to join a community-led initiative that makes renewable energy more accessible and affordable. The Solar Together group-buying scheme, in partnership with iChoosr, offers homeowners a chance to invest in solar panels and battery storage, reducing their reliance on the national grid and lowering energy bills.
This initiative not only helps residents save money but also contributes significantly to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the UK's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To date, in 2022 and 2023 Solar Together facilitated 341 installations in Bedford Borough, resulting in an estimated 6,750 tonnes of avoided carbon emissions over the lifetime of the equipment.
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Bedford Borough Council, said, "We are excited to bring Solar Together back to Bedford Borough, empowering our residents to take control of their energy consumption while supporting our community's transition to cleaner energy sources.
“This scheme has proven to be a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to invest in solar panels and battery storage at competitive prices, thanks to the collective purchasing power of our community. We encourage all eligible residents to register and explore how they can benefit from this initiative."
How it works:
- Registration: Householders can register online for free with no obligation to proceed.
- Reverse auction: Pre-approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction, offering competitive pricing due to the volume and geographic concentration of installations.
- Personal recommendations: Registered households receive personalised installation recommendations based on their specific needs.
- Technical survey and installation: If accepted, a technical survey is conducted to confirm installation details, followed by scheduling the installation.
In 2022, nearly 2,500 Bedfordshire residents registered to learn more about what was possible for their homes. Of these, nearly 900 homeowners accepted an offer. Here’s some feedback from two local residents.
Cathi, who had eight panels and battery storage installed in Bedford, said, “I am really happy to have solar panels and would recommend Solar Together to friends and family.”
Steve, also from Bedford, had six panels and battery storage installed, said, “The installation team were fantastic and explained everything before they left. Everything was left clean and tidy. I have already recommended Solar Together to friends and family.”
Residents can learn more and join the scheme at https://solartogether.co.uk/bedford/home
The partnership with iChoosr ensures a hassle-free process, supported by telephone and email help desks and information sessions.