A popular scheme that helps people save money on their energy bills while reducing carbon emissions is returning to Solihull.
Switch Together Solar brings residents, small businesses and community groups together to access high‑quality solar panels from accredited installers at a competitive price. The group‑buying approach helps drive down costs, making it easier for people to invest in renewable energy.
The scheme also offers optional battery storage and electric vehicle charging points, as well as battery‑only options for those who already have solar panels and want to maximise the clean energy they generate.
People can register for free, with no obligation, from Monday 23 February to Sunday 26 April by visiting Solihull Council’s Switch Together Solar webpage: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-solihull/switch-together-solar
Those who sign up will be entered into an auction where pre‑vetted solar photovoltaic (PV) installers compete to offer the most competitive package. The more people who register, the greater the potential savings. After the auction, participants will receive a personalised recommendation outlining the winning installer and proposed installation. If they choose to go ahead, a technical survey will be arranged before installation takes place.
Switch Together Solar (formerly known as Solar Together) is delivered by iChoosr, experts in sustainable energy transition. Solihull Council is supporting the scheme to help residents make the switch to clean energy as straightforward and cost‑effective as possible.
Councillor Andy Mackiewicz, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Planning, said:
“Having your own solar panels and battery storage can help you generate clean electricity, reduce your carbon footprint and potentially save money on your energy bills. With energy prices still uncertain, now is a good time to consider renewable energy and the long‑term financial benefits it can bring.
“By joining Switch Together Solar, residents can take advantage of group buying power to secure competitive pricing from trusted installers. Over 160 residents, businesses and community groups in Solihull have already directly benefited from this scheme so I’m delighted to see the opportunity return”
iChoosr has been working with UK councils since 2015 to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. Since 2012, it has launched 137 group‑buying schemes for solar panels, resulting in more than 1.8 million panels installed for over 162,000 households. In Solihull alone, the previous round of the scheme led to the installation of over 1,600 solar panels and more than 150 home batteries.
Alongside this scheme there is also an opportunity to switch to a competitive energy tariff via iChoosr’s Switch Together Energy, group buying for gas and electricity.
For more information about the Council’s climate change and sustainability work, visit the Your Future Solihull webpages: Your Future Solihull | Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council