Council scheme offers residents cheap solar panels

More than 3,700 residents have signed up so far

A scheme allowing people to invest in solar power to reduce their energy bills has been extended.

Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, in partnership with iChoosr, have extended the deadline to sign up for the Solar Together scheme until 13 September.

The scheme utilises group buying to leverage cheaper solar panel and installation costs from vetted providers. More than 3,700 residents have signed up so far.

Dominic Muns, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for environment, said: "It's fantastic to see how many residents and businesses have registered their interest in Solar Together."

'Real gamechanger'

The initiative offers rooftop solar panels with optional battery storage and electric vehicle charge points.

Mr Muns added: "There's no obligation to accept the offer made following the registration period, so I would encourage anyone considering solar panels to sign up.

"Solar Together is a real gamechanger for solar panel technology in Wiltshire, offering residents and owners of commercial buildings the opportunity to get solar panels installed hassle-free at more affordable prices from trusted providers with all the support they need to make the most of their green investment."

This is the third Solar Together scheme the council has run with iChoosr and the previous schemes have delivered 1,110 installations, totalling more than 10,660 solar panels and resulting in over £11 million invested by residents into the green economy.

To register for the scheme, residents must either own their own house or have permission from the landlord to install solar panels.

Small and medium-sized enterprises and commonhold associations meeting this requirement can also participate.