Wokingham Council Announces Second Round of Solar Together Initiative

Wokingham Borough Council has opened the second round of its Solar Together initiative, a group-buying scheme aimed at simplifying the process and reducing the cost of installing solar panels and battery storage for residents and businesses.

Key Details:
– What: Solar Together is a group-buying scheme for solar panel installation.
– Where: Wokingham Borough, Berkshire.
– When: Registration is open until August 9, 2024. The program had a successful launch last year.
– Who: Residents and businesses in Wokingham Borough, orchestrated by Wokingham Borough Council in partnership with Solar Together.

Benefits and Impact:
Participants can save on electricity bills, utilize a renewable energy source, and reduce carbon emissions. For those already owning solar panels, retrofit battery storage is available. Last year, 316 residents accepted the offer, leading to 3,184 solar panels being installed, resulting in significant carbon reduction and a financial investment of £2,689,918 into renewable energy.

Process:
1. Registration: Residents can register online for free by August 9, 2024.
2. Auction: Pre-approved solar panel installers will bid in a reverse auction.
3. Recommendation: Personalized recommendations will be emailed to registrants.
4. Decision: Participants decide within four weeks whether to proceed.
5. Installation: If accepted, the installer conducts a roof survey and sets an installation date.

Comments from Officials:
Rhian Hayes, Assistant Director of Economy and Housing, expressed enthusiasm about the scheme, citing its benefits for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to the council’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Reading Borough Council Promotes Similar Solar Panel Scheme

Reading Borough Council has also launched a similar initiative, allowing residents to purchase solar panels through a group-buying scheme. This initiative aims to save on energy bills, cut carbon emissions, and boost local renewable energy generation.

Key Details:
– What: Group-buying scheme for purchasing solar panels.
– Where: Reading Borough, Berkshire.
– When: Launched recently.
– Who: Residents of Reading Borough, orchestrated by Reading Borough Council and Solar Together.

Benefits and Impact:
Last year, nearly 900 residents across Berkshire installed over 9,500 solar panels. The scheme provides competitive rates, ensures high-quality installation, and contributes to the borough’s goal of becoming net zero carbon by 2030. Reading has already achieved a 51% reduction in carbon emissions since 2005.

Process:
1. Registration: Residents can register online without any obligation.
2. Auction: Pre-approved suppliers offer competitive prices based on volume and geographic concentration.
3. Recommendation: Personalized recommendations are emailed to registered households.
4. Decision and Installation: Households decide whether to proceed, followed by a technical survey and installation if accepted.

Comments from Officials:
John Knight, Assistant Director for Housing, highlighted the program’s role in easing the financial burden on residents and moving towards cleaner energy solutions. He urged those who can invest to consider participating for future savings and environmental benefits.