Solar collective buying scheme

Introduction 

Solar panels use sunlight to power your home, so they are an effective way to cut your bills. When you install a battery with your solar panels you can save the electricity for when you need it most or sell it to reduce your bills even further. 

Helping West Yorkshire households save money 

The solar collective buying scheme, also known as Solar Together West Yorkshire, helped homeowners save money on solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging points by harnessing the power of group buying. Instead of going it alone, hundreds of residents came together in 2024 to secure prices up to 42% below the usual market rate, through a trusted scheme backed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of Home Energy West Yorkshire. 

What was achieved? 

Open to residents between July 2024 and May 2025, with over 4,200 households registering their interest, the scheme delivered:

Why did people choose this scheme?

• Prices up to 42% below typical market rates
• Council-backed, with vetted installers and support every step of the way
• Step-by-step guidance and regular updates
• Open to first-timers, older residents, and those new to solar—no jargon, no pressure 

Participants also reported feeling more confident about using energy wisely, with many adjusting when and how they used electricity to make the most of their solar panels. 

What’s next? 

We are planning the next phase in 2026, with the aim to help even more people save on their bills and cut energy use, possibly expanding to include other upgrades like air source heat pumps.