Essex residents could save money on their energy bills and cut carbon emissions thanks to the Solar Together scheme.

The group-buying scheme helps households and businesses buy solar panels at a minimum 25% saving on standard systems, with installation from pre-approved installers.

Essex County Council is working with iChoosr to deliver the scheme. The aim is to make solar energy more accessible and affordable and help the UK achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

More than 3,500 Essex households have already registered their interest in the scheme to date.

How it works:

• Homeowners register online for free and without obligation.
• Approved companies will bid to supply the solar panels at a competitive price.
• Registered households will then receive a personal recommendation.
• If they choose to accept, the details of their installation will be confirmed and a date will be set.

It is free to register for the scheme until 22 March 2024. There is no obligation to go ahead with an installation.