Save on energy bills with solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging points through the Home Energy West Yorkshire collective buying scheme. Register for free to receive a personalised, no-obligation offer from trusted installers at competitive prices.
What is collective buying?
Making energy-saving upgrades can seem complex and costly. Collective buying, or group buying, gathers households and organisations to purchase energy improvements as one large order. Installers compete for this work, giving you access to lower prices without any negotiation. By uniting households and organisations in West Yorkshire, we make energy improvements more affordable and easier to handle.
What is it for?
This round of the scheme helps with:
- Solar panels and battery storage
- EV charging points
How does it work?
- Register - Show your interest with no obligation by 23 October 2026.
- Auction - Our approved installers bid for the work. The best offer wins.
- Personal recommendation - You'll receive a tailored recommendation via email, including costs and specifications.
- You decide - You have four weeks to decide, with no obligation and no upfront payment. If you proceed, a £150 deposit applies, deducted from your final bill or refunded if you can't complete the installation.
- Installation - After acceptance, your installer will organise a survey and installation date. All installations are finished within six months.
Who can apply?
This scheme is open to:
- Homeowners
- Private landlords
- Small and medium-sized businesses*
- Community organisations*
- Commonhold associations*
*Businesses and organisations must own their building or have the landlord's permission to install equipment.
Why take part?
- Save money - Group buying often leads to better prices.
- Trusted suppliers - Installers are vetted for quality and consumer protection.
- Lower energy bills - Many improvements reduce running costs and enhance comfort.
- Simple process - We connect you with suppliers and manage everything.
- A greener West Yorkshire - Low-carbon technology helps cut emissions and supports our region's journey to net zero.
How do I register?
You can register online with Switch Together or talk to them if you need help or have questions.
Join other households who have already saved
This scheme builds on a successful pilot from July 2024 to May 2025. Over 4,200 households registered their interest, resulting in:
645
solar PV and battery installations completed
84
new electric vehicle charge points installed
2.57 MW
of solar power installed (over 6,300 panels)
Why did people choose this scheme?
- Lower prices - Up to 42% below typical market rates.
- Combined Authority-backed - Vetted installers with support at every step.
- Clear guidance - Step-by-step help and regular updates.
- Open to everyone - No jargon, no pressure, whether you're new to solar or experienced.
Many participants felt more confident managing their energy use after joining, adjusting when and how they used electricity to maximise their solar panels.
About our delivery partner
We’ve teamed up with Switch Together, specialists in collective buying schemes. They help households in West Yorkshire access trusted suppliers and competitive prices for energy improvements. Approved suppliers compete to offer you the best value, ensuring quality and consumer protection.
More collective buying schemes coming soon
We are planning a scheme for air source heat pumps and other energy-efficient measures. Check back for future rounds!
Frequently asked questions
The scheme is open to homeowners, private landlords, small and medium-sized businesses, community organisations, and commonhold associations. Businesses and organisations must own their building or have landlord permission to install equipment.
No. The scheme provides competitive, no-obligation quotes through group buying, not free panels. A £150 deposit applies if you proceed, deducted from your final bill or refunded if you can't complete the installation.
Yes. If you already have solar panels installed, you can register for a battery-only installation through the scheme without purchasing additional solar panels, subject to eligibility checks and an installer assessment.
To register for battery storage only, visit Switch Together
This collective buying scheme isn't a government grant. It's backed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and delivered by Switch Together. They negotiate lower prices with vetted installers. You may also qualify for other Home Energy West Yorkshire schemes.
Register your interest by 23 October 2026. There's no obligation now; you'll get a personal recommendation with costs before making a decision.
Yes. Switch Together offers phone and email support to help you decide. Call free on 0800 014 8851, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5:30pm, or email support.solarbattery@switchtogether.co.uk.
Solar panels usually don't require planning permission, except in conservation areas or on listed buildings. Check with your local council.
You may qualify for support through other Home Energy West Yorkshire schemes.
No. EV charging points are not available as a standalone product through this scheme. However, EV chargers can be added in conjunction with:
a. Solar installations, or
b. Battery installations.
The scheme's standard pricing is available for systems containing between 4 and 25 solar panels.
You can still participate in the scheme if your property requires a larger system. Installations over 25 panels may receive a bespoke quotation outside guaranteed scheme pricing from the selected installer rather than the standard scheme price for additional panels over 25.
The scheme is primarily designed for domestic properties. However, small businesses and community organisations that own the building or have the landlord’s permission to install will also be able to participate.
Disclaimer
Home Energy West Yorkshire is delivered by Switch Together in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. While we strive for accuracy, please research and seek independent advice before making decisions related to the scheme.
Other support available
Home Energy West Yorkshire also offers:
- Free and impartial advice to help you save energy and lower your bills
- Guidance on finding a trustworthy installer
- Information on other funding, grants, and schemes (including for people in social housing)
Not sure where to start? Let us help you...
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