Scheme offers local residents savings on solar panels

Horsham District Council is working with West Sussex County Council to support a scheme to help residents cut their carbon emissions by installing high quality solar panels at a reduced price.

By installing solar panels and generating zero carbon electricity at home, the average household could reduce their annual carbon footprint by approximately one tonne each year and do their bit towards making the Horsham District carbon neutral by 2030.

Homeowners can register for Solar Together Sussex which uses a group buying approach to secure significant savings on solar panel installations by accredited contractors. The scheme is being run in conjunction with other councils across Sussex and iChoosr, who are experts in group buying.

If you are interested you can register your interest in Solar Together on West Sussex County Council's website. Registration is free and there is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.

Once registration closes, pre-vetted, accredited installers will tender for the work. This approach helps to drive prices down and ensure that West Sussex residents get a high-quality solar PV system and save money.

If your house is suitable for solar panels, you will receive a personal recommendation outlining the cost and return on investment.

Commenting on the new scheme, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Recycling and Waste Cllr Philip Circus said:

“I very much welcome this new solar panel scheme for both our District and West Sussex which will create an accessible and affordable option for local home owners to save on energy costs and do their bit to tackle climate change.

This initiative really builds upon our aspirations to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for the Environment, Recycling and Waste Cllr Philip Circus

Cllr Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for the Environment said:

“Solar panels are now a common sight on homes and commercial buildings across the county helping us to reach net zero by 2030, but we want to speed up the roll out and encourage those people who have thought about generating clean energy to take the next step.

“We hope that the offer from Solar Together Sussex of a high-quality installation and a significant saving will do just that.”

Cllr Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for the Environment

For residents who already have solar panels on their home, Solar Together Sussex can also help with the installation of a battery storage system to store surplus energy for use when it is needed later in the day.

Visit West Sussex County Council's web-page: Solar Together for more information and details about how to register. When you register, you will need to provide some basic information about your roof, including its size and orientation, to find out whether your house is suitable for solar panels.

For media queries please email press@horsham.gov.uk .