The Solar Together scheme seeks to transform solar panel installation in the UK, making it more affordable and approachable for everyday households.
While solar panel prices have plummeted over the last ten years, the initial investment remains a hurdle for many looking to go green.
The Energy Savings Trust estimates a 3.5 kWp domestic solar system costs around £7,000. This can arise with factors like installation complexity, premium panel types, or larger system sizes.
Solar Together tackles these costs head-on with a group-buying model to lower your expenses. Curious about what it entails and whether it’s right for you? Let’s explore.
Quick Takeaways:
- Solar Together delivers cheaper solar panels and battery storage via collective purchasing power.
- Registration is online, quick, and user-friendly – no hassle involved.
- Your local council must be enrolled, and you need to own your home or secure landlord consent.
- It’s ideal for those seeking ease and savings, though installation delays and brand constraints may apply.
What Is Solar Together?
Solar Together is a group buying scheme that can help you access solar panel systems, battery storage and electrical vehicle (EV) charge points at a lower cost.
The scheme is run by iChoosr, which partners with local councils to deliver the scheme and matches them with vetted installers on a large scale.
Solar Together promises high-quality products and installations at a competitive price through group buying, securing average savings of 10-25% against the typical market price.
Who Is Eligible for the Solar Together Scheme?
You’re eligible if you reside in a participating council area and own your property. Renters can join too, provided their landlord approves the solar PV setup.
Non-domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Commonhold Associations also qualify under these conditions. Not sure about your area? Visit your council’s website for details.
How Does the Scheme Work?
Step 1: Register
Complete the free online form and provide details about your house, roof, and electricity usage.
Step 2: Auction
Solar Together organises an auction in which pre-vetted solar installers bid for the right to install the group’s systems. The reverse auction ensures that only the lowest bid wins and sets the price for all solar and battery systems.
Step 3: Get a Personal Recommendation
After the auction, you’ll get a personal recommendation, including information about the winning installer, a complete system, costs and savings.
Step 4: Make a Decision
Decide whether or not to accept the recommendation and proceed with installation. If you have any questions, you can contact the Solar Together helpdesk or watch a webinar to ensure you make an informed decision.
How Much Does It Cost to Join Solar Together?
You can register for free and withdraw anytime before accepting an offer. However, if you accept and choose to proceed, you must pay a conditionally refundable £150 deposit.
The deposit payment is deducted from your final invoice for the solar panel installation and released to the installer when your installation is complete.
You can also get a full deposit refund if:
- You cancel the agreement before the roof survey, regardless of the reason for the cancellation.
- You cancelled because you did not obtain the necessary planning permission for your installation. In such cases, cancellation must happen up to 5 days before the installation.
- You can cancel the installation because the panels pose a risk, or don’t physically fit the roof, there are additional costs you did not agree to, or the roof’s orientation and shading make the system unfavourable.
You’ll not get a deposit refund if you cancel the agreement without a valid reason or when the supplier cancels the installation because you were unresponsive despite multiple attempts to make an appointment or discuss installation arrangements.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Solar Together?
Pros:
- Cost Savings — Joining forces with other interested parties in your area allows you to benefit from economies of scale and get high-quality panels at a discounted rate.
For instance, a Solar Together London programme completed in May 2024 achieved savings ranging from 29.6% to 33.1% in Phase 3, 2.1% to 43.6% in Phase 4 and 10.4% to 37.3% in Phase 5 compared to the average price of installation over the same period.
- High-Quality Products and Installation — Installers participating in the Solar Together auction must undergo a rigorous qualification process to ensure your peace of mind. They must be MCS accredited and either RECC or HIES members and offer an insurance-backed guarantee for work and products.
- Simplified Process — Instead of researching and comparing multiple quotes, you only need to register online and await an offer. The scheme handles all the legwork to offer a hassle-free journey from contact to installation.
Cons:
- Upfront Costs — You still have to cover the discounted purchasing and installation costs, which can vary depending on the type and size of the solar system you need.
- Long Wait Times — After accepting your recommendation, you may need to wait up to six months for installation. The long wait times are due to the planning required and the scale of the operation.
- Scheme Availability — Not all councils participate in the scheme. It’s essential to check if it’s available from your local authority and the registration deadline.
- Limited Choice — You’ll have limited choice over the brand or type of panels you get. You must accept the offer from the winning installer or opt out of the scheme.
Is Solar Together the Same as Rent a Roof?
No. Unlike Rent a Roof, Solar Together allows you to fully own the system and enjoy all the benefits of generating clean electricity. Here’s how the two compare:
| Feature | Solar Together | Rent a Roof |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You own the system | The company owns the system |
| Upfront Cost | Discounted through group-buying | No upfront cost |
| Savings on Bills | Significant savings since you use generated electricity | Limited savings on daytime usage |
| Contract Length | No long-term contract | 20 to 25 years |
| Flexibility | You can make modifications or upgrades as needed | Restrictions on roof modifications or sale |
| Effect on Property Value | Can increase property value | May complicate selling the property |
How Does Solar Together Compare to Individual Buying?
| Factor | Solar Together | Individual Buying |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low due to group-buying discount | Potentially higher |
| Installer Selection | Pre-vetted installers chosen through auction | You can select your installer |
| Equipment Options | Limited to what the scheme offers | You can choose from a broader range |
| Process Complexity | Simplified process | More effort is required to research, compare quotes and manage the process |
| Installation Timeline | Set by the scheme and can take longer | More flexible and can be scheduled according to your availability |
Is Solar Together Worth It?
Whether Solar Together is worth it will depend on what you’re looking for from a solar panel installation. The scheme offers savings and convenience but also has limitations that won’t suit everyone.
When Solar Together is Worth It
- You want a seamless process — The scheme does installer vetting, price negotiation, and coordination for you.
- You like the idea of bulk discounts — Costs can be lower than going direct to an installer.
- You trust your local council — Many councils back the scheme, giving you peace of mind.
- You’re not too fussy about panel brands or system customisation — The scheme is a set package that works for standard installations.
When Solar Together Might Not Be Worth It
- You want complete system control — You don’t get to choose the panel brands, inverter types, or installers.
- You need a fast installation — Group buying can take months, whereas going directly to an installer can be quicker.
- You can get a better deal elsewhere — While the scheme offers discounts, it’s still worth comparing multiple installer quotes.
- You want top-tier aftercare — Warranties and post-installation support vary, so you may get better service by going solo.
Final Thoughts
Solar Together opens doors to cost-effective solar for homeowners, approved renters, and small businesses.
If your council’s on board and you value affordability over speed, it’s a compelling choice. Check eligibility today.
Frequently Asked Questions on Solar Together
1. Why Do I Have to Pay a Deposit?
After accepting the personal recommendation, you’ll pay the £150 deposit to cover the roof survey costs and show you’re genuinely interested.
This ensures the installer only surveys the properties of committed registrants. The deposit is usually deducted from the final invoice.
2. Can I Get a Battery Only with Solar Together?
Yes. You can get battery storage if you already have solar panels installed. The installer will check the battery capacity to ensure it’s right for your solar PV system and consumption.
3. Who Runs Solar Together?
The Solar Together scheme is run by iChoosr, an expert in group buying, in partnership with local councils.
iChoosr manages scheme logistics like supplier selection, auction coordination and council communication, while local councils handle registration and oversee the auction process.
Sources and References
- https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-panels/
- https://www.london.gov.uk/media/106662/download?attachment