Solar scheme to help clean energy switch

HOMEOWNERS in East Sussex are being invited to register for a solar panel scheme which could save them money and help cut their carbon emissions.

Solar Together Sussex, a group buying scheme supported by Sussex councils including East Sussex County Council, will allow residents to buy high-quality solar panels and battery storage at a competitive price.

The scheme, which could help residents reduce their annual carbon emissions by around a tonne each year, will support the county council’s efforts to help tackle climate change.

Cllr Nick Bennett, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for resources and climate change, said: “This scheme is a great opportunity for homeowners across the county to save money on their energy bills as well as helping the environment.

“The council has cut its own carbon emissions by more than 60 per cent since 2008 and hopes to inspire and support residents to make changes that will help East Sussex become a more environmentally friendly county.

“The more homeowners that participate in the Solar Together Sussex scheme, the better the price that can be secured and the more renewable energy will be generated.”

Households will be able to register free of charge for the initiative, run in partnership with group purchasing experts iChoosr, before September 28.

Following the registration period, an auction will be held with pre-vetted installers, to identify the most competitive bid to supply solar panels to all households who have registered an interest.

Residents will then have until November 26 to decide whether to accept the recommendation and quote and continue with installation.

Residents who have already invested in solar panels can opt for ‘retrofit’ battery storage to get more from the renewable energy they generate and increase their independence from the grid.

More information about the scheme and details on how to register an interest can be found at https://solartogether.co.uk/eastsussex/home

The scheme reopens after households registered for the first round in 2020.

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