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.
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.
Residents can learn more and join the scheme at https://solartogether.co.uk/bedford/home