Latest news with #SolarTogether
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Refund delays for solar power firm customers
A solar power firm has warned customers of delays to refunds after it was delisted from a council-endorsed energy paid thousands of pounds upfront to Fusion8 Ltd to install solar panels and batteries under Solar Together, a commercial scheme promoted by several local clients have tried to reclaim deposits of up to £2,000 after the firm lost a vital a statement, Fusion8 said it had been processing refunds, although it told customers on 1 May the process was on hold. Simon Haythornthwaite, from Romsey, Hampshire, paid a £1,700 deposit to Fusion8 and had a home visit from the firm in he said he heard nothing further until March, when the company increased its £7,083 quote by a further £ April, he was informed by Solar Together operator iChoosr that Fusion8 would no longer be able to carry out the Haythornthwaite said Fusion8 did not respond to his request on 23 April for a 1 May, Fusion8 sent an email which said: "We are currently experiencing issues that is preventing us from processing refund requests."Until a resolution is found, we are unfortunately not able to respond to emails regarding refunds."Mr Haythornthwaite told the BBC: "When you get an email saying they are not responding to emails, it doesn't give you a warm, fuzzy feeling."I imagine we are going to have trouble getting this deposit back."Having spoken to a local installer, I wish I hadn't done this at all. The price was not that different." Solar Together is a solar panel and battery storage installation scheme, operated by iChoosr and offered through local website says it delivers better prices for renewable energy through group Solar Together customer interviewed by the BBC said he heard nothing from the company for two months after an initial client from Hythe, Hampshire, who prefers not to be named, said he was later told installers would arrive within a week, but no-one trying to reclaim a £2,000 deposit, he was sent the same email as Mr Haythornthwaite on 1 than a dozen Fusion8 customers in Berkshire and Hampshire complained about the firm in Trustpilot reviews in April. There was one positive complaints mentioned "no communication", "slow progress" and customers being left with scaffolding around their homes when work stalled. In a statement, Fusion8 said it was "no longer performing installations as part of the Solar Together scheme". It added: "Fusion8 has been processing refunds and is working hard to communicate with customers who have paid a deposit."Those customers who are deciding to continue their installation with Fusion8 are having their installations planned and prepared." In an internal email seen by the BBC, Hampshire County Council chief executive Carolyn Williamson said Fusion8 was no longer part of Solar Together Hampshire "due to the loss of their Customer Code accreditation, which is a MCS [certification scheme] requirement".She said 94 Fusion8 clients in the county were a statement, the council said customers should contact iChoosr to arrange a full has not yet responded to a BBC request for comment. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
South Wales Argus
03-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Solar panels project launched in Torfaen aims to cut cost
The Solar Together group-buying scheme aims to reduce the cost of solar energy investment for residents. The scheme encourages people interested in solar energy to register for solar panels, battery storage, and EV charge points. The more people who register, the more competitive the cost becomes. Registration is free, and there is no obligation to proceed with an installation. Councillor Anthony Hunt, leader of the council, said: "Solar power is a great way to reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions, which are key contributors to climate change. "While it can be expensive, having solar panels and battery storage to power your home is a smart investment. "By installing solar panels and producing renewable electricity, you can significantly lower your energy costs and carbon footprint. "If you've ever thought about switching to solar, now is the time to sign up." The scheme operates in five stages: registration, reverse auction, personal recommendation, technical survey, and support. Approved UK solar PV suppliers participate in a reverse auction, offering competitive pricing due to the volume and geographic concentration. This allows them to realise greater efficiencies and pass on lower prices for installations. Marie-Louise Abretti, Solar Together UK business manager, said: "With energy prices continuing to fluctuate, some residents 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 access a competitive offer from a trusted, vetted provider."
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Solar Panel Grants - how can I get one?
If you are considering installing solar panels at your home, the good news is that there is financial help available, be it loans or grants. You can even have panels on a subscription. If you are interested in a grant, there are a number of options, depending on where in the UK you live and what you earn. Most are for those on low incomes in homes with poor insulation. Up to £630m of funding is available for local authorities to spend on energy efficiency and low carbon heating in this, the second phase of the endearingly titled HUG, which runs to March 2025 and offers up to £18,000 in some areas. It's for people who live off the gas grid and you must earn as a household less than £36,000 to qualify. Solar Together This is a scheme to group buy solar panels, making use of the purchasing power of xxx and keeping costs down. Solar panel providers bid for the chance to install the solar panels. It is more of a bulk discount than a grant. It is available in certain local authorities who have signed up to the scheme. Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) grant If you or someone you live with qualifies for state benefits, then the ECO4 grant could be for you. It is a government efficiency scheme designed to tackle fuel poverty and cut carbon emissions. As the name suggests, this is the fourth version of the scheme and it runs to 31 March 2026 and it is funded by big energy companies and administered by energy regulator Ofgem. You can get help if you earn less than £31,000 as a family, live in private housing – ie not council-run – and receive one of the following benefits: Child Tax Credit Working Tax Credit Universal Credit Pension Guarantee Credit Pension Savings Credit Income Support Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Child Benefit Housing Benefit If you own your house, it must be rated D or worse and if you rent, E or worse for energy efficiency. You can apply with your energy company for up to £10,000 of funding. The scheme is for broad energy efficiency, so you might find that insulation and a smart thermostat are better uses of the funding for your energy use. Welsh Government warm homes nest scheme Naturally, this scheme is only for those who live in Wales. You will need to own a home or be a private tenant and receive a means-tested benefit or earn a low income. Finally, you will need ot be in a home with an energy efficiency rating of E or worse. If your rating is D and you or someone you live with has a health condition, you may also qualify. Again, it includes a plethora of improvements including insulation and heating systems. There is no listed claim limit, although the Welsh Government said in 2023, that the average claim awa £2,457. This scheme is for those living in Scotland and now covers solar thermal panels – ones which heat water rather than generate electricity – and hybrid units which do both. A £5,000 interest-free loan is available for these panels. The criteria are much more relaxed than other schemes and anyone in Scotland can apply if they are doing so for their own home.
