What Is the Solar Panel Scheme in Surrey?

While there’s currently not an active solar group-buying scheme running in Surrey as of May 2025, residents and businesses can still register their interest for the next phase. The initiative, previously supported by local authorities and coordinated by independent organiser iChoosr, has already helped thousands across the UK install high-quality solar PV systems and battery storage at competitive rates. In this guide, we’ll explain how the scheme works when live and explore funding alternatives.

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Everything You Need to Know in Brief

• Solar Together offers up to 25% savings on solar panel installations through collective buying and vetted installers.
• Registration is open, even though the scheme isn’t currently active in Surrey as of May 2025.
• Alternative incentives like the Home Energy Improvement One-Stop Shop and ECO4 offer strong financial support for eligible homeowners.
• Long-term savings from SEG and 0% VAT make solar panels increasingly accessible and cost-effective.

What Actually Is Solar Together?

Solar Together is a council-backed group-buying scheme designed to make residential olar panel and battery storage installations in Surrey  more affordable for homeowners, landlords, and small businesses. It’s coordinated by independent organiser, iChoosr, and supported by local councils across the UK.

The scheme brings people together to form a buying group, leveraging collective demand to secure lower prices from pre-vetted solar installers through a competitive reverse auction.

Who Can Take Part?

When active, the scheme is open to a wide range of property owners across Surrey, including:

• Homeowners with suitable roof space
• Landlords and private property owners
• Small businesses and community groups
• Residents in detached, semi-detached, or terraced homes
• Flat owners with roof access and appropriate permissions

If your home is in a conservation area or is listed, you may require planning approval, but the installer will assist with that process if needed.

What Makes Solar Together Unique?

With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know who to trust—or how to get the best deal. Solar Together stands out by offering a structured, council-backed route to solar that prioritises affordability, quality, and ease of use. Here’s what sets it apart:

Group Buying Power

Rather than arranging an installation individually, participants join a larger group of local residents and businesses. This collective approach allows for bulk pricing, resulting in significant savings, typically between 10% and 25% compared to standard market rates.

Reverse Auction Process

The scheme uses a reverse auction where pre-approved solar installers compete to offer the lowest price to the group. This ensures that participants benefit from both competitive pricing and greater transparency in the selection process.

Tailored Quotes

Each participant receives a customised quote based on their roof type, property size, and expected energy usage. There’s no obligation to proceed, so homeowners can evaluate the offer without pressure.

High Standards

Only MCS-certified installers—those who meet rigorous industry quality and safety benchmarks—are eligible to take part in the scheme. Installations are also backed by dedicated customer support before, during, and after the process.

Environmental Impact

By helping more households adopt renewable energy, Solar Together supports broader climate targets set by local authorities. Participants reduce their own carbon footprint while contributing to wider regional efforts to reach net-zero emissions.

In short, Solar Together removes much of the hassle and cost of going solar, offering an easier, safer, and more affordable way to adopt renewable energy.

How Does the Surrey Solar Panel Scheme Work

Surrey’s solar group-buying initiative follows a well-established model already used in previous phases in Surrey and multiple counties across the UK. It uses collective buying power to negotiate lower prices on solar panel installations, while also streamlining the process for homeowners and businesses.

Here’s how the scheme typically works when active:

1. Free registration – Residents register their interest online without any commitment.
2. Reverse auction – Pre-approved, MCS-certified installers compete to offer the most competitive pricing for the entire group.
3. Tailored offer – Each participant receives a personalised solar proposal based on their roof type, energy usage, and shading levels.
4. Decision time – You choose whether to accept the offer. There’s no obligation.
5. Technical survey and installation – If you move forward, a survey is conducted, and installation is handled by a vetted installer.

Support is offered throughout, making the transition to solar stress-free and transparent.

Benefits of Joining the Scheme

Participants who have taken part in previous phases of the scheme in Surrey have reported a broad range of significant benefits. Here's why the Solar Together initiative is worth considering:

Lower Upfront Costs

One of the most compelling benefits of joining Solar Together is the reduced upfront cost for solar panels and battery storage systems in Surrey . By pooling demand through group buying, participants can access discounts on installation prices compared to standard market rates.

In its second phase, residents saved an impressive 34% on a typical 14-panel solar system, compared to typical market prices. This group buying power ensures that even households that may have found solar too expensive before can affordably make the switch to renewable energy.

Peace of Mind with MCS-Certified Installers

All installations are carried out by trusted, MCS-certified professionals, meaning that participants can be confident in the quality and safety of their solar systems. The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is the UK’s leading quality assurance scheme for renewable energy technologies, guaranteeing that installations meet national standards for performance and safety. You can rest assured knowing that your system will be installed to the highest standards, with expert customer support at every stage.

Reduced Dependence on the Grid with Optional Battery Storage

Many participants choose to pair their solar panels with battery storage, which provides greater control over energy use. With battery storage, excess energy generated by your solar system during the day can be stored for use later, such as during the evening when household energy demand increases or when electricity prices spike.

This ability to store energy increases self-consumption significantly, with some systems boosting self-consumption rates from 30% to as high as 70%. Over time, this reduces reliance on the national grid, leading to further savings on electricity bills.

Ongoing Savings from Lower Energy Bills and SEG Payments

After the initial installation, the savings continue. Solar panels provide long-term financial benefits by reducing your electricity bills, allowing you to generate your own energy rather than purchasing it from the grid. Additionally, through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), participants can earn money by selling any excess energy their system generates back to the grid. This ongoing income, combined with the savings on your energy bills, can significantly offset the initial cost of the system over time.

Environmental Contribution by Cutting COâ‚‚ Emissions

Solar panels reduce household carbon footprints by generating clean, renewable energy. For example, installations in previous schemes have helped to prevent thousands of tonnes of COâ‚‚ emissions annually, equivalent to removing hundreds of cars from the road. By participating, you contribute directly to the wider community's efforts to meet climate goals and promote sustainability.

Simplified Process for First-Time Solar Buyers

For many first-time buyers, Solar Together simplifies the solar adoption process by removing the typical barriers to entry, such as finding a trustworthy installer or understanding the complexities of system design. The scheme makes it easier to navigate the world of solar power, offering tailored quotes, vetted installers, and dedicated customer support throughout the entire process.

Other Solar Schemes and Incentives in Surrey

While Solar Together is not currently active in Surrey as of May 2025, there are other schemes and incentives in Surrey  to help residents access affordable solar panel installations. Here are a few options to consider:

Home Energy Improvement One-Stop Shop

Surrey County Council, in partnership with energy experts Furbnow, has launched a pilot scheme to help residents invest in long-term energy-saving upgrades. This includes solar panels, insulation, and air source heat pumps. The scheme provides:

• A subsidised Home Energy Plan for the first 245 eligible homes.
• Access to a qualified Retrofit Assessor and trusted local installers.
• A personalised roadmap outlining upgrade options based on your budget and goals.
• Potential additional discounts if you proceed with recommended works through the scheme.

This programme is ideal for homeowners who are ready to invest in comprehensive energy efficiency improvements.

VAT Reduction (0%)

As of 2022, most domestic solar panel and battery storage installations are eligible for 0% VAT—a tax cut that significantly lowers upfront costs and makes clean energy upgrades more accessible for homeowners. This reduced rate is available until 31 March 2027, after which VAT may revert to the previous 5% rate unless extended or revised by the government.

ECO4 Scheme

The ECO4 (Energy Company Obligation) scheme is a government-backed initiative aimed at supporting fuel-poor and vulnerable households across the UK. It provides substantial funding for energy efficiency upgrades, including solar panels, battery storage, insulation, and more.

The scheme is designed to help eligible homeowners lower their energy bills while improving the overall performance and comfort of their homes. Depending on the condition of the property, those who qualify can receive between £7,000 and over £20,000 in funding—in many cases covering 100% of the installation costs for homes that are particularly inefficient.

ECO4 runs until March 2026, and eligibility is typically based on household income, benefit status, and current energy performance ratings.

Warm Homes Local Grant

The Warm Homes Programme, coordinated by Action Surrey, offers funding and tailored support to improve energy efficiency in low-income or vulnerable households. This can include insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy systems such as solar PV. The programme is designed to reduce fuel poverty by lowering energy costs and improving comfort for eligible residents.

Support is provided through government grants, local funding, and partnerships with Surrey’s district and borough councils. Eligibility criteria vary but often include income thresholds, benefit claims, or existing poor home energy ratings.

Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

While the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) doesn’t reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels, it can significantly improve your return on investment (ROI) by generating ongoing income from your system.

Under SEG, energy suppliers pay you for any unused electricity you export back to the grid. Here’s how it works:

• Payments are made by licensed energy suppliers, and rates vary depending on the provider and tariff.
• To be eligible, you’ll need a smart meter and an MCS-certified solar installation.
• SEG payments help shorten the payback period for your solar system, making it a financially smarter choice over the long term.

Whether you go solar through a council-backed scheme or a private installer, SEG is a valuable incentive that boosts the overall financial performance of your system.

A Smarter Way to Go Solar and Save

Although the Solar Together scheme is not live in Surrey right now, it remains one of the most trusted and affordable routes to solar adoption when active. By registering your interest early, you’ll be first in line to receive personalised, competitive offers once the scheme returns.

In the meantime, Surrey residents can still benefit from national incentives like the ECO4 scheme, 0% VAT on solar, and Smart Export Guarantee payments. Local initiatives such as the Home Energy Improvement One-Stop Shop also offer valuable guidance and subsidies for energy upgrades.

Whether you're looking to cut energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or future-proof your home, now is an ideal time to take your first step toward solar.

About Upvolt

At Upvolt, we support Surrey residents in taking control of their energy future. We offer independent solar and battery storage solutions that are tailored to your roof, energy usage, and lifestyle.

Our systems use premium, high-efficiency panels, are installed by MCS-accredited professionals, and come with long-term performance guarantees. We also provide smart integration through our Skygateâ„¢ platform, allowing you to track savings, manage your energy flow, and increase your solar self-consumption.

Want to get started without waiting for the next group-buying cycle? Get in touch with Upvolt for a free consultation and personalised quote.

FAQ

Is there a solar panel scheme in Surrey right now?

No, there is currently no active solar group-buying scheme running in Surrey as of May 2025. However, residents and businesses can register their interest online to be notified when the next round begins. The initiative has previously run in Surrey and is expected to return in future phases.

How do I register my interest?

To register, visit the Solar Together website and select "Surrey" from the list of participating areas. Registration is quick, free, and obligation-free. Once you register, you’ll be kept informed about key dates and next steps when the scheme goes live again.

What kind of savings can I expect?

Participants in previous rounds across the UK have reported savings between 10% and 25% compared to standard solar installation costs. In some cases, savings reached up to 34%, particularly for larger systems or where battery storage was included. The exact savings depend on your roof type, home size, shading, and energy usage.

Can I take part if I already have solar panels?

Yes. If you already have solar panels installed, you can still register interest—especially if you're looking to add battery storage or expand your current system. Many homeowners upgrade in later phases to improve their energy independence and reduce reliance on the grid.

Are there any alternative solar panel schemes in Surrey?

Yes. While Solar Together is not currently active, there are other options. The Home Energy Improvement One-Stop Shop offers tailored home energy plans, including solar recommendations, with expert support and local installers. The ECO4 Scheme provides up to £20,000+ in funding for eligible low-income households to install solar panels and other energy upgrades.

Alex Lomax

CEO & Co-Founder

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