West Yorkshire Mayor’s new solar panel scheme to help communities save money on energy bills

Homeowners in West Yorkshire could save over 40% off the cost of solar panels under a new scheme from regional Mayor Tracy Brabin.

Under the “Solar Together” scheme, residents can sign up for solar panels with their neighbours and each save around £2,500 on the installation.

By signing up together, residents make it cheaper for the installer to fit the solar panels and batteries across multiple homes at once.

Under the Mayor’s scheme, these savings are then passed on to the customer, as part of her plans to build a “greener” West Yorkshire.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“We've kickstarted a home energy revolution – a wave of retrofits across West Yorkshire that could see households save money on their energy bills.

With Home Energy West Yorkshire, we’re providing vital support that will make it easier, simpler, and cheaper for people to do up their home.

Together, with partners such as Solar Together, we will build a greener West Yorkshire with warmer homes and brighter communities for all.”

Mayor Brabin recently launched a new programme called Home Energy West Yorkshire, introducing low-interest loans for people to renovate their homes and reduce their energy bills.

The programme marks the first step on the road towards a “retrofit one-stop-shop” that would be a single, easy-to-use service providing support and advice to anyone seeking help with reducing their energy bills by retrofitting their homes.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working in partnership with sustainable energy firm Solar Together, experts in accelerating the transition to sustainable energy, to help households make the change as simply and affordably as possible. 

Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK Business Manager, added:

“With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, residents of West Yorkshire are looking for opportunities to reduce their carbon emissions, save on energy bills, and increase their independence from the grid.

The Solar Together group-buying scheme offers a straightforward way to make an informed decision and to access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider.” 

Residents in West Yorkshire have until 13 September to register for the scheme via the Solar Together website.