We have partnered with neighbouring Cheshire local authorities and independent experts, iChoosr, to facilitate a group-buying solar panel scheme across Cheshire and Warrington.

This initiative aims to harness the collective buying power of local households and businesses to help make getting solar panels installed easier and cheaper than it would otherwise be.

Warrington residents can register their interest for the scheme from Monday 19 August until Friday 18 October 2024.

How does the scheme work?

1. Residents can register their details on the Solar Together website www.solartogether.co.uk/warrington.
2. Solar Together hold a reverse auction with pre-vetted installers, who compete to offer registrants the most competitive price.
3. Registrants receive a personal recommendation for their home based on the information provided during registration.
4. Registrants can then decide if they want to accept the recommendation, which will include information about the winning installer, the proposed installation, costs and savings. There is no obligation to go forward with the recommendation.
5. If the recommendation is accepted, the winning installer will arrange a roof survey and set an installation date. All installations aim to be complete within six months of acceptance.

There are options for solar panels, added battery storage, as well as electric vehicle (EV) charge points. You can also use the scheme to retrofit battery storage to an existing solar panel system.

Planning permission

While a planning application may not always be needed for solar panels, it is important that you confirm that your installation is within permitted development rights. You can find out more via the planning portal or seek confirmation by applying for a Certificate of Lawfulness.

We are supporting the initiative as part of our local response to the global climate emergency.

We need to stop adding to the blanket of pollution in the atmosphere that is overheating the world. Switching to clean renewable energy is one way to do that.

Similar group buying schemes have already been successfully run in other areas in the UK. These schemes have collectively saved more than 460,000 tonnes of climate damaging carbon pollution, as well as helping households to save on their energy bills.