Solar Together is a group purchasing scheme that uses the collective buying power of thousands of homeowners to negotiate discounted solar panel installations. In the West of England — covering Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset — Solar Together is run by iChoosr in partnership with participating local councils. It has helped thousands of homeowners access solar at significantly reduced prices.
How Solar Together Works: Step by Step
- Registration (free, no obligation): Homeowners register via the Solar Together website. Registration is free and does not commit you to anything.
- Group formation: The council and iChoosr accumulate registrations until there is a sufficient pool for a competitive tender — typically several thousand registrations.
- Competitive auction: Solar panel installers bid competitively to supply and install systems for the entire registered group. Volume allows lower prices.
- Personalised offer: Each registered homeowner receives a personalised quote from the winning installer, based on their specific roof and energy needs.
- Acceptance or decline: You review your quote and choose whether to accept or decline — no obligation even after registering. You typically have 4–6 weeks to decide.
- Installation: If you accept, the installer arranges a survey and schedules installation using the same MCS-certified process as any direct installation.
What Discount Can You Expect?
Past Solar Together West of England rounds have achieved discounts of 30–37% below typical retail prices. For a 4kW system that might cost £6,500–£7,500 directly, Solar Together participants have received quotes in the £4,500–£5,500 range — a saving of £1,500–£2,000. Bath participates in Solar Together and typically sees strong uptake.
Solar Together vs Direct Installation: Which Is Better?
- Timing: Rounds are periodic. If there is no current round, you may wait 6–18 months — during which time you miss savings on your bills.
- Equipment: The winning installer chooses the equipment. You may not be able to specify particular brands.
- Flexibility: Complex installations (unusual roofs, listed buildings, large systems) may not be well-served.
- Timeline: Installation may be 6–12 months after registration.
For straightforward residential installations, Solar Together is an excellent option when a round is active. For more complex requirements, immediate installation, or specific equipment preferences, approaching an MCS-certified installer directly often provides better results. D&R Energy can also help you evaluate any Solar Together quote you receive. Call 0800 772 0758 or visit our grants and funding page for the full picture of available incentives.
