Successful solar scheme returns to Cheshire East

Residents across Cheshire East are being encouraged to register for the latest round of a successful solar buying scheme that has already helped hundreds of local households generate their own clean energy.

Registrations opened today for Switch Together Cheshire, the new name for the Solar Together Cheshire scheme.

Since launching in 2023, the initiative has supported more than 560 Cheshire East installations, with 6,561 solar panels installed. Together, they are expected to reduce carbon emissions by almost 468 tonnes of CO₂.

Cheshire East Council is once again working in partnership with independent experts iChoosr to offer the group-buying initiative, designed to make the switch to renewable energy as simple and affordable as possible.

Councillor David Jefferay, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for environment, sustainability and waste management, said: “We’re delighted to be opening registrations for the latest phase of Switch Together Cheshire.

“Many residents are looking for ways to take greater control of their energy costs while also reducing their environmental impact. Installing solar panels and battery storage can help households do both.

“The success of previous rounds shows there is strong interest in renewable energy across Cheshire East, with hundreds of households already benefiting from generating their own electricity.

“Across Cheshire and Warrington, the scheme has already delivered nearly 6.8MW of solar generation capacity and more than 8.8MWh of battery storage. That’s enough energy to boil around 2,200 kettles at the same time, helping to show the real impact residents can make when they come together to invest in renewable energy.”

“The scheme makes the process simple by bringing residents together and securing competitive offers from trusted installers. I’d encourage anyone considering solar panels or battery storage to register and find out what options may be available for their home.”

Councillor Sam Corcoran, Cheshire East Council’s member champion for environment and climate change, said: “Switch Together Cheshire is a great example of how we can help residents take practical action to reduce their carbon emissions while also potentially lowering their energy costs.

“The figures from previous phases demonstrate the real difference the scheme is making, both for residents and for our wider environmental ambitions.

“By working together through this scheme, residents can benefit from competitive prices and trusted installers, making it easier than ever to make the switch to renewable energy.”

Across Cheshire and Warrington, the scheme has delivered 1,358 installations, with residents investing more than £11.4 million in solar energy and battery storage technology since 2023. A total of 15,667 solar panels and 1,240 battery storage systems have been installed through the programme.

Residents can register free of charge and without obligation. Once registration has closed, approved installers will take part in a reverse auction, competing to offer the most competitive package to residents.

Those who register will then receive a personalised recommendation based on their property’s suitability and can decide whether or not they wish to proceed. There is no obligation to accept an offer.

Installations generally do not require planning permission, although additional permissions may be needed in certain circumstances, including for listed buildings or properties within conservation areas.

Residents can register until 4 September 2026 by visiting: switchtogether.co.uk/cheshire-east/join