Solar PV Scheme From KCC

Dear Members,

I am pleased to share with you details of a scheme that will be of financial benefit to residents of Kent and help us achieve our Net Zero ambitions for the county.

Background

Domestic energy consumption accounts for 28% of carbon emissions in Kent. Installing solar panels has the potential to reduce carbon emissions in Kent by 777 tonnes a year whilst reducing energy bills for our residents.

The average cost of a 3.5kWp[1] solar PV installation is £4,800. Prices have falling since 2008, but the initial cost has been a barrier to uptake. However, since January 2020 the Smart Export Guarantee ensures residents have access to tariffs that will pay them for electricity exported to the grid. Solar has never been more affordable.

The Solar Together Kent Scheme

Solar Together Kent is a collective solar PV buying scheme to help households get a reduced-price installation of solar panels. It relies on large numbers of households signing up to negotiate a better deal for everyone taking part.

The scheme is being run in partnership with iChoosr (the collective buying provider), Canterbury City Council, Dartford Borough Council, Dover District Council, Gravesham Borough Council, Maidstone Borough Council, Medway Council, Swale Borough Council, Thanet District Council, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. (Households living in Ashford, Sevenoaks and Folkestone and Hythe authority areas will still be able to register for the scheme.)

The scheme is primarily aimed at domestic residents but is also open to small businesses, landlords and community buildings, provided the installation is less than 50 panels. Owners who already have solar panels will be able to get quotes to add battery storage to their existing solar panel systems.

Objectives of the scheme

• increase the number of solar panels installed in Kent and reduce carbon emissions by around 777 tonnes per year
• provide access to competitively priced quotes to make solar energy and battery storage systems more accessible for residents
• stimulate the local solar economy by raising public awareness and interest. We want solar panels to be seen as a desirable home improvement.

Project timings:

• 1st September 2020: Marketing and registration opens for residents.
• 6th October 2020: Reverse auction takes place among the procured suppliers to get the best quote.
• 26th October- 11th December 2020: decision phase for residents to decide if they want to go ahead with their quote
• December 2020 – June 2021: Solar panels and battery systems are installed on homes

Further information

FAQs and registering for the scheme can be seen here www.solartogether.co.uk/Kent If residents would like to speak to someone about the scheme, they should phone 0800 014 8721.

I hope members will share news of the scheme with their communities. It is a good example of how KCC can help residents both save money and help reduce carbon emissions.

Susan Carey

Cabinet Member for Environment