RESIDENTS considering solar panels are being urged to act as a popular scheme helping households access cheaper renewable energy systems returns for another year.

The Switch Together scheme – formerly known as Solar Together – is now open for registrations, giving homeowners, businesses and community organisations the chance to secure competitive prices on solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle chargers.

The scheme works by combining demand from residents across the county, allowing approved installers to compete in an auction process to offer the best prices.

More than 2,000 Wiltshire homes have already signed up since the initiative launched five years ago, helping households generate their own electricity while potentially cutting energy costs.

For the first time, residents will also be able to explore a loan option, aimed at helping with the upfront cost of installation.

Wiltshire Council said the scheme has already supported more than £17 million worth of installations across the county, with projected carbon savings of almost 40,000 tonnes over the systems’ lifetimes.

Cabinet member for environment and climate Cllr Paul Sample said the programme had become a trusted option for people curious about making the switch.

“Switch Together has already supported more than 2,000 installations across Wiltshire and continues to return each year as a well-established scheme for residents considering solar,” he added.

“Having used the scheme previously, I’ve seen the difference solar can make to energy bills over time.”

Residents can register free of charge and receive a personalised recommendation based on their property, with no obligation to go ahead.

Installers involved in the programme are pre-vetted, offering added reassurance for those unsure where to start.

Registrations are open until August 7. For more information, visit the council website www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/registration-opens-for-wiltshires-switch-together-scheme