The Vale of Glamorgan Council is launching a new renewable energy initiative designed to help residents invest in solar panels and battery storage through a group-buying scheme.

The scheme, known as Solar Together, marks the first opportunity for South East Wales homeowners to benefit from a model that delivers competitive pricing and high-quality installations from qualified suppliers.

The Solar Together initiative builds on successful models in England, offering participants a range of options including solar panels with optional battery storage and EV charge points, as well as retrofit battery storage for those who already have solar panels. The program is structured to boost energy independence from the national grid and is free to register, with no obligation to proceed to installation.

Local councils in Blaenau Gwent, Cardiff, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan are partnering with sustainable energy experts iChoosr to deliver the scheme. The program utilises a reverse auction process in which approved UK solar PV suppliers offer competitive bids, leveraging the increased volume and geographic concentration of customers to pass on savings directly to homeowners. After the auction, participants receive a personalized recommendation based on their registration details. If accepted, a technical survey will be scheduled to finalise installation specifics, supported by dedicated telephone and email help desks and information sessions.


Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: "The Vale of Glamorgan Council is committed to protecting the natural environment and investing in renewable energy. That is a fundamental part of our Project Zero efforts to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and a net zero carbon county by 2050.

"This scheme offers residents the chance to help the planet, reduce their energy bills and get the very best price on solar panel installation through its innovative business model."

Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added: "With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of South East Wales are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid.

"The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider."