Solar Together: How do we get a competitive price for you?

Solar Together is a unique group-buying initiative that helps people in the UK access solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage at more affordable prices.

By joining this program, you can benefit from lower costs and easier access to renewable energy solutions. It's a great way for homeowners who are interested in going green but might find the initial cost of solar systems high.

Participating in our group-buying scheme gives you the chance to get a competitive price on your solar PV system and battery storage, all while enjoying the support of a trusted network of installers and local authorities.

How does Solar Together’s group-buying scheme get the best prices?

The main idea behind Solar Together is that when people come together as a group, they have more power to negotiate better deals. This collective bargaining power allows us to secure much better pricing than if each homeowner were to go it alone.

Throughout the process, we use the combined strength of all participants to ensure that everyone gets the best possible offer for their solar PV system and battery storage. This means you’re not just getting a good deal — you're getting one that’s been carefully negotiated for you.

We bring together residents from across the UK, which increases our overall buying power. This makes it easier for you to get the most competitive prices from pre-vetted installers, rather than going through the hassle of getting multiple quotes on your own.

This approach often results in better value for money compared to shopping around individually, as we’ve already done the hard work of finding reliable and quality installers for you.

Local Authority involvement

We also work closely with local authorities, many of whom are listed on our website. Their support helps us reach important environmental goals, like reducing carbon emissions, while offering real benefits to residents.

If you want to learn more about how group-buying works, be sure to check out our blog post titled “Group-buying for solar: What is it and how does it work?”

Who operates this initiative?

This initiative is run by local authorities who partner with iChoosr, a leading group-buying specialist. Together, they promote Solar Together across the UK, helping more people take advantage of solar energy and battery storage options.

Who is iChoosr?

iChoosr is an independent group-buying company that has been operating since 2008. They specialize in bringing communities together to get better deals on products and services, including energy and solar projects.

Since 2012, iChoosr has worked with councils and community leaders in the UK to organize renewable energy schemes. They are well-known for running successful collective energy and solar projects across the country.

In addition to solar, iChoosr has helped over 1.7 million households save more than £150 million through energy switching programs. They currently operate in five countries and continue to expand their impact.

How does the auction work?

The auction used by Solar Together is a reverse auction, meaning the installer with the lowest bid wins. This ensures that all participants receive the best possible price.

Once the winning bid is selected, it becomes the standard price for all systems included in the scheme. This ensures fairness and transparency for everyone involved.

All installers participating in the auction are pre-vetted to ensure they meet strict quality standards. This includes checking their experience, financial stability, and customer service reputation.

On auction day, qualified installers submit bids for different system sizes, from 4 to 50 panels, along with various battery storage options. The selection process is thorough, ensuring only the best offers make it to the final stage.

This process allows us to provide you with a complete solar panel system at the best possible price, with guaranteed quality and performance.

We only work together with pre-vetted and certified installers

All installations under the Solar Together program are handled by MCS-certified solar installers who have proven experience and a strong track record of delivering high-quality work.

To ensure competitive pricing, we run an auction where selected installers submit their bids. Before the auction, each installer is thoroughly checked for their management skills, expertise, and ability to deliver on time and within budget.

iChoosr collaborates with industry experts to define detailed product requirements for all materials used in a Solar Together installation. This ensures consistency and quality across all systems.

While installers can choose the brands they use, they must disclose them upfront. They are required to follow strict guidelines set by iChoosr to maintain product quality and customer satisfaction.

Before making a decision, customers will know exactly what brands are being offered and can review full product specifications. This transparency helps you make an informed choice.

The group-buying package includes everything you need — from insurance-backed guarantees and installation to monitoring systems. This comprehensive approach ensures peace of mind and long-term value.

If you have any questions during the process, you can refer to our frequently asked questions or contact the Solar Together Helpdesk for assistance.

A personal recommendation without obligations

After the auction, you’ll receive a personal recommendation that includes details about the winning installer and a full breakdown of the competitive package offered.

The standard package includes:

• Solar panels
• Installation
• Scaffolding up to two storeys
• All cabling and mounting materials
• Inverter
• In-home monitoring
• Guarantees and warranties
• Roof survey

You’ll be informed of any additional costs that may arise based on the information you provided during registration. After the roof survey, the installer will confirm any extra expenses before proceeding.

You’ll then have the opportunity to review the package and decide whether it meets your needs. If you have any further questions, you can always reach out to the Solar Together Helpdesk or join one of our online information sessions.

Our recommendations are tailored to your specific situation, based on the details you shared about your roof and energy usage. This ensures that the package is right for you.

If you’re still not satisfied after going through the whole process, you can choose to decline the recommendation — and there’s no obligation to proceed.

You remain anonymous to the installer until you accept the personal recommendation. This helps protect your privacy and gives you more control over the process.

If you need more help, feel free to visit our frequently asked questions page, where you’ll find answers to common questions about solar panels and the Solar Together scheme.