What Is the Solar Together Suffolk Scheme?

Solar Together Suffolk is a group-buying scheme designed to help residents across the county reduce the cost of installing solar PV and battery storage. Supported by Suffolk County Council in partnership with iChoosr, the initiative gives homeowners, landlords and small businesses access to lower prices through collective purchasing and trusted, pre-approved installers.

This article outlines how the scheme works, who is eligible, the key benefits, and how Suffolk households can register to receive a personalised quote with no obligation to proceed.

Power your home with Upvolt’s smart solar solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Suffolk residents can access lower-cost solar PV and battery storage through a trusted group-buying scheme backed by local councils.
• Every installation is completed by MCS-certified professionals, ensuring systems meet the highest standards.
• Thousands of solar panels have already been installed through the scheme, helping reduce carbon emissions and support Suffolk’s net-zero goals.
• Registration is free and comes with no obligation, giving homeowners the chance to explore solar with confidence.

What Is Solar Together Suffolk?

Solar Together Suffolk is a group-buying scheme that helps homeowners, landlords, and small businesses install solar panels and battery storage at a lower cost through a coordinated local initiative.

The approach is simple. Once registration closes, pre-approved MCS-certified installers take part in a reverse auction, submitting their best price for system supply and installation. The lowest bid sets the group rate for all participants. Each household then receives a tailored no-obligation offer based on their roof type, orientation, and electricity usage.

So far, more than 32,000 solar panels have been installed across Suffolk under the scheme, contributing directly to the county’s Climate Emergency Plan and wider efforts to reach net-zero. With strong support from local authorities and a proven track record, Solar Together Suffolk continues to make renewable energy more accessible for more homes and small businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

The scheme is open to a wide range of property owners and organisations across Suffolk. To participate in the Solar Together scheme, you must meet these conditions:

• You must live in one of the participating council areas in Suffolk. 
• You must own your home or have explicit permission from your landlord or freeholder to install a solar PV system.
• Small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) and community organisations with roof control may also be eligible. 
• Registration is free and carries no obligation to proceed once you receive your quote. 

How the Scheme Works

Solar Together Suffolk makes switching to solar simple, supported, and cost-effective. Here's what to expect at each stage:

1. Register for Free

You sign up online and provide basic details about your home, roof, and energy use. This step is free and comes with no obligation to go further.

2. Reverse Auction

Accredited UK solar PV suppliers take part in a reverse auction, submitting their lowest offer for supply and installation. The most competitive bid becomes the group price for all participants.

3. Receive Your Personal Offer

Once the auction ends, you will be emailed a personal recommendation that includes the selected installer, system size, pricing, and estimated savings. You can take your time to review the offer. You have no obligation to go ahead.

4. Decide and Secure Your Place

Once you receive your personal recommendation, you can review the offer details and make an informed decision. If you choose to accept, a small deposit (£150) secures your place in the scheme. Helpdesk support and an optional webinar with the installer are available to answer any questions before you commit.

5. Survey and Installation

The installer completes a technical survey to finalise your system design, then installs your solar panels and optional battery to MCS-certified standards.

Why Join the Solar Together Suffolk Scheme?

Taking part in the Solar Together group-buying scheme offers practical, financial, and environmental advantages. Whether you are just starting with solar or want to enhance your existing system with battery storage, the benefits are clear.

Save on Installation Costs

By taking part in the Solar Together scheme, participants benefit from lower pricing than they could typically secure on their own, often saving between 10% and 25% compared to standard market rates.

These competitive prices help homeowners feel confident that they are paying the right price for a high-quality installation. Beyond the upfront savings, solar panels can also reduce monthly energy bills and generate income through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), which pays for surplus electricity exported back to the grid.

Certified Installers and Professional Standards

Under the Solar Together scheme, all solar panel installations in Suffolk are carried out by approved companies that meet strict national requirements. Each supplier is MCS-certified and selected through a competitive procurement process, helping homeowners feel confident that their system will be safe, reliable, and built to last. 

This professional oversight ensures every solar PV or battery storage installation meets the highest standards for quality and performance.

Contribute to Suffolk’s Sustainability Goals

The scheme plays a key role in helping the county reduce its carbon footprint. Every installation cuts household emissions, reduces pressure on the grid, and increases Suffolk’s share of renewable generation.

To date, the solar panels installed in Suffolk under the Solar Together scheme will reduce carbon emissions by 27,100 tonnes over 25 years. This is equivalent to 15,000 cars off the road during that time.

Optional Battery Storage and EV Charge Points

Adding battery storage allows you to store excess solar energy during the day and use it later when grid prices are higher or solar generation drops. This boosts energy independence and increases the efficiency of your system.

Homeowners can also install an EV charger as part of their setup, enabling their vehicle to run on clean, self-generated electricity. By charging when solar power is available or tariffs are low, EV owners can reduce running costs and rely less on the grid.

Many households pair their systems with a smart energy platform like Upvolt’s Skygate™, which automatically manages battery use, EV charging, and solar generation to maximise savings and efficiency.

Upvolt Solar Installations Across Suffolk and Beyond

If you miss the latest Solar Together Suffolk registration window or live outside one of the participating council areas, you can still access high-quality, competitively priced solar installations through Upvolt directly.

Upvolt is one of Suffolk’s trusted renewable energy providers, offering the same professional service you’d expect from the Solar Together scheme. Every installation is carried out by MCS-certified experts using premium solar technology, including high-efficiency panels, long-life LFP batteries, and the smart Skygate™ energy platform.

Whether you’re in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, or Lowestoft, Upvolt provides tailored solar PV and battery solutions designed to maximise savings and performance for your property. Our team also installs solar panels across neighbouring counties like Essex and Cambridgeshire, so even if you’re outside Suffolk, you can still benefit from reliable local expertise and excellent value.

Let's Recap

Solar Together Suffolk gives homeowners and small businesses a smart, supported way to install solar panels and battery storage with confidence. With the backing of Suffolk County Council and expert oversight from iChoosr, the scheme removes the stress and guesswork from going solar.

By joining this group-buying initiative, Suffolk residents can improve their property’s energy performance, protect against rising energy bills, and become part of the growing UK solar movement. It’s more than a way to save money; it’s a chance to power your home with clean energy and invest in a more resilient, sustainable future.

About Upvolt

At Upvolt, we help Suffolk homeowners take control of their energy future with smart, future-ready solar solutions. Every system we install is tailored to the property and includes high-efficiency solar panels (up to 23.6% efficiency), long-lasting lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries with warranties of up to 15 years, and seamless integration with our intelligent Skygateâ„¢ energy management platform.

Ready to find out what solar could do for your home? Fill out our free online survey today and see how Upvolt can help you cut costs, lower carbon emissions, and become more energy independent.

FAQ

What is the Solar Together Suffolk scheme?

Solar Together Suffolk helps homeowners, landlords, and small businesses install solar panels with optional battery storage and EV chargers at a lower cost through a trusted group-buying process. The initiative works in partnership with Suffolk County Council and independent organiser iChoosr to deliver high-quality installations from fully qualified, MCS-certified installers. 

How much does solar installation cost with Solar Together?

Costs depend on factors like your roof size, energy usage, and the system installed. However, Solar Together has historically delivered discounts of 10% to 25%. Once installed, solar PV systems help you save on energy bills, increase your independence from the grid, and generate income through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

How do I apply for the Solar Together Suffolk scheme?

You can register online for free via the Solar Together website. The process is straightforward and comes with no obligation. Once registration closes, a reverse auction takes place, and registered households will be emailed a personalised offer with full details. Help is available throughout the whole process to support your decision.

Do I need planning permission for my Suffolk solar installation?

Most residential solar panel installations fall under permitted development rights and do not require planning permission. However, if you live in a conservation area or your home is listed, it's important to check with your local planning authority before proceeding.

Can I join the scheme if I already invested in solar panels?

Yes, you can. If you already have solar PV panels, you may still be eligible to take part in the scheme to add battery storage or EV charger. The scheme allows for flexible participation, whether you're starting from scratch or building on an existing setup.

Alex Lomax

CEO & Co-Founder

Share article

• 
• 
•