North Somerset residents urged to sign up for solar scheme

Solar Together, which is in its third year, helps participants generate their own renewable energy by using collective bargaining power to buy high-quality solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) home charge points - and their installation - at a competitive price.

This year, North Somerset Council has again partnered with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and independent group-buying collective iChoosr Ltd to deliver the scheme.

The council is urging residents and small businesses to apply before time runs out.

Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate, waste, and sustainability, said: "I’m thrilled that Solar Together is back for a third time, helping our local community generate their own clean, local and renewable energy.

"Solar Together helps residents and businesses look after the planet and their pockets.

"By installing solar panels and batteries, they can keep energy bills down, reduce their carbon footprint and do their bit to tackle the climate emergency."

She also highlighted the new addition to this year's scheme: "Excitingly, this year you can register to have a charging point for an electric vehicle installed at your home too."

Last year, nearly 2,600 solar panels were installed across North Somerset through the scheme.

The council hopes to exceed this number in 2024.

Aileen and James, North Somerset residents who have used Solar Together, said: "The company that fitted [our solar panels and batteries] was very professional.

"It was no hassle, they were fitted in one day on schedule, and any queries that we have had have been dealt with very well."

Sandra, another North Somerset resident, said: "[I] feel like we have future-proofed our bills to a great degree and can be warm and comfortable this winter without worry."

To find out more and get a free quote, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/solartogether or call 0800 014 8851.