What Is the Kent Solar Panel Scheme

Solar Together Kent is a council-backed group-buying scheme designed to help residents and small businesses in Kent install solar panels and battery storage at competitive prices. Launched in partnership with Kent County Council, Medway Council, and iChoosr, the initiative aims to make renewable energy more accessible and affordable across the county. In this article, we’ll explore how the scheme works, who can participate, what benefits it offers, and how Kent homeowners can register interest.

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Everything You Need to Know in Brief

• Participants can save between 10% and 25% on solar PV installation costs compared to typical market prices.
• Installations are carried out by vetted, MCS-certified installers, ensuring high-quality service and equipment.
• The scheme has already led to the installation of nearly 40,000 solar panels in Kent and Medway, contributing to significant reductions in carbon emissions.
• The scheme is open to homeowners, landlords, small businesses, and community groups across Kent.

What Is Solar Together Kent?

Solar Together Kent is a council-backed group-buying scheme designed to help residents and small businesses in Kent and Medway install solar panels and battery storage at competitive prices. Since its inception, Solar Together Kent has facilitated the installation of over 39,150 solar panels in the region, contributing to significant reductions in carbon emissions.

The scheme leverages the collective buying power of residents to secure competitive pricing on high-quality solar systems. It simplifies the process of finding a trusted installer through a reverse auction, where pre-approved, MCS-certified suppliers bid to offer the lowest price to all participants. Once the auction concludes, each homeowner receives a personalised quote tailored to their property—without any obligation to proceed.

Eligibility Criteria

The scheme is open to a wide range of property owners and organisations across the county. To participate, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a homeowner, landlord, or small business located in Kent or Medway.
• Both detached and semi-detached houses, terraced homes, flats (with roof access), and suitable commercial buildings are eligible.
• You can join whether you’re new to solar or already have panels and are interested in adding battery storage.
• Tenants must gain permission from their landlord or freeholder before proceeding with installation.

Registration is completely free and carries no obligation, allowing you to receive a tailored quote before making any decisions.

How the Scheme Works

Solar Together Kent is designed to make going solar simple, affordable, and trustworthy for homeowners and small businesses across the county. The process is structured to remove the typical barriers to entry, such as high costs, installer uncertainty, and technical complexity.

1.    Free Registration

Participants register online to express their interest—there’s no obligation to purchase at this stage. This initial step helps gauge demand across the region.

2.    Reverse Auction

Pre-approved MCS-certified installers compete in a reverse auction to offer the lowest group price for the equipment and installation. This ensures competitive pricing and vetted quality.

3.    Personalised Recommendations

After the auction, each registered household receives a bespoke offer tailored to their property’s specific conditions, such as roof orientation, shading, and energy needs.

4.    Technical Survey and Installation

If you decide to go ahead with the offer, the installer will conduct a technical survey to finalise the design. Once approved, installation is scheduled and completed by the selected supplier.

Support is provided throughout the process via dedicated email and phone helpdesks, so you can make informed choices with confidence.

Key Advantages of Solar Together Kent

Taking part in Solar Together Kent offers more than just a competitive price—it’s a smart, supported way to transition to renewable energy with confidence. Whether you're looking to reduce your energy bills, shrink your carbon footprint, or become less reliant on the grid, the scheme provides clear, measurable benefits backed by expert oversight and council support.

Cost Savings

One of the biggest draws of Solar Together Kent is the potential for substantial savings on solar panel installation . In the scheme’s second phase, participants saved an average of 34% on the cost of a typical 14-panel solar system when compared to standard market rates. This group-buying model gives homeowners access to pricing normally reserved for commercial-scale projects or bulk orders, making solar power more accessible to a wider range of residents across Kent and Medway.

And the savings don’t end at installation. Once your system is up and running, you’ll benefit from reduced electricity bills, lower exposure to rising grid prices, and potential earnings through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). Over time, these savings add up, making solar a financially smart decision as well as a sustainable one.

Quality Assurance

All installations are carried out by vetted, MCS-certified installers who meet rigorous standards for quality, safety, and professionalism. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the nationally recognised quality assurance scheme for renewable energy technologies, meaning your installation is performed to industry-leading standards.

Every installer involved in the scheme has undergone a thorough selection process managed by independent experts. This includes checks on experience, credentials, customer service history, and compliance with UK building regulations.

Environmental Impact

Solar Together Kent is not only helping residents save on energy costs but is also making a significant contribution to the county's renewable energy goals. Since its inception, the scheme has facilitated the installation of over 38,700 solar panels across Kent and Medway. These installations are collectively helping households avoid up to 3,440 tonnes of COâ‚‚ emissions annually, which is equivalent to removing approximately 2,450 cars from the road each year.

By participating in Solar Together Kent, residents are actively contributing to the county's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The initiative supports Kent's broader climate action strategies by promoting the adoption of clean, renewable energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Increased Energy Independence

Another standout benefit of Solar Together Kent is the option to pair your residential solar panel system  with battery storage, offering greater control over when and how you use your electricity. With a battery installed, excess energy produced during the day can be stored and used later, such as in the evening when household demand typically rises or when the grid is more expensive.

This ability to store and use your own solar energy on demand dramatically increases self-consumption. For many Kent households, this not only reduces monthly energy bills but also cushions them from price spikes and supply disruptions.

And with the integration of platforms like Upvolt’s Skygate™, your system can intelligently manage charging and discharging to ensure you're always using the most cost-effective energy source available.

Your Opportunity to Save with Solar

Solar Together Kent offers a rare opportunity for residents and small businesses to make the switch to renewable energy with confidence and cost-effectiveness. Through collective buying power, the scheme delivers significant savings, professional-grade installations, and lasting environmental impact.

Whether your goal is to reduce electricity bills, lower your carbon footprint, or gain more control over your home’s energy use, Solar Together Kent provides a clear, supported path to solar adoption. With optional battery storage, vetted suppliers, and no-obligation quotes, it removes the complexity and guesswork from going solar in Kent.

As energy prices continue to rise and the county moves toward its net-zero targets, there’s never been a better time to explore your solar options.

About Upvolt

At Upvolt, we help Kent homeowners transition to solar energy with confidence. While we’re not part of the Solar Together scheme, we design and install custom solar and battery systems that are tailored to your property’s layout, roof angle, and energy goals.

Our solar panel solutions feature high-efficiency modules, long-lasting warranties, and smart integration with our Skygate™ platform—a real-time energy management system that helps you monitor usage, optimise savings, and reduce grid reliance.

Want to explore your solar options outside the group-buying cycle? Get in touch with Upvolt for a free, tailored assessment and discover how solar can power your home—on your terms.

FAQ

What is Solar Together Kent?

Solar Together Kent is a council-backed group-buying scheme that helps residents and small businesses install solar panels and battery storage at reduced costs.

How much can I save?

Participants have reported savings between 10% and 25% on installation costs compared to standard market rates.

Who is eligible?

Homeowners, landlords, small businesses, and community groups located in Kent or Medway can take part in the scheme.

Do I need planning permission?

Most standard solar installations don’t require planning permission. However, if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, it's important to check with your local planning authority.

How do I register?

Visit the Solar Together Kent website to register your interest for free. There is no obligation to proceed once you receive your personalised quote.

Alex Lomax

CEO & Co-Founder

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