Newham residents can now register for Solar Together London, a solar photovoltaic (PV) group buying scheme.
Newham Council and 10 other participating boroughs have partnered with the Mayor of London and iChoosr, the group-buying specialist as part of the Solar Together scheme.
The scheme offers residents and small businesses the opportunity to purchase high-quality panels to generate their own renewable energy, using a group-buying model to unlock significant savings.
Solar Together London (www.solartogetherlondon.co.uk/newham) aims to boost solar power for London’s homes by making it easier for residents to find a trustworthy installer and easier for installers to find engaged customers. It works by offering panels to registered residents and businesses as part of a reverse auction where prices are driven down by competition between suppliers.
It follows a successful smaller test scheme in Norfolk in 2015 and many other larger scale schemes in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Nearly 4,000 households across London registered their interest in the first phase, with more than 1,100 accepting their personalised offer for more affordable solar panels.
The scheme is part of the Mayor of London’s Energy for Londoners programme which aims to help cut air pollution and CO2 emissions by supplying more of London’s homes and businesses with cleaner, locally produced renewable energy.
It has been launched in response to a drive by many local authorities to increase the renewable energy generated on London roofs. With increased electricity prices and lower prices for solar panels, the environmentally friendly form of energy is a viable alternative for many households and businesses.
Councillor Rachel Tripp, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways commented, “Solar Together London is an exciting scheme which will provide an environmentally alternative energy source to many Newham residents. Not only is solar energy sustainable and significantly better for the environment, it also gives residents the opportunity to make financial savings on their household bills.
“As a council, we want to play our part in combatting climate change and we will be making changes to ensure we are making the most of renewable energy opportunities. I know many of our residents are interested in green alternatives such as this and by taking part in Solar Together, they now have trustworthy to high quality and low cost solar energy technology.”
Please note, that if you live in a Conservation Area, planning permission may be required to install solar panels to your property. You are advised to visit the Planning pages of the Council website which provides details of planning restrictions applicable within the Conservation Area where you live. If you require further information the Planning Team can be contacted by email on duty.officer@newham.gov.uk
To sign up to Solar Together, visit: www.solartogetherlondon.co.uk/newham