Switch Together helps Kent and Medway residents access affordable solar panels and battery storage through a group‑buying scheme, reducing energy bills and carbon emissions.
More than a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in Kent and Medway come from energy use in homes. Improving insulation and reducing energy demand remain important steps, but installing renewable technology such as solar panels can also help households manage rising energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. This is particularly beneficial for properties with high electricity use, including those using heat pumps or charging electric vehicles.
Group buying scheme for solar panels and battery storage
Switch Together (previously Solar Together) is a group‑buying scheme delivered by iChoosr. It enables homeowners, landlords and small businesses to purchase solar panels and battery storage at competitive prices through a collective procurement process.
Solar panels can lower energy bills and reduce carbon footprints. Battery storage can also be added, allowing households to store surplus electricity for later use and further reduce reliance on the national grid.
Residents and small businesses in Kent can register for a free, no‑obligation quote for up to 25 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Those who already have solar panels can apply for battery storage to maximise the benefits.
How Switch Together works
- Register for free with no obligation.
- Receive a personal recommendation at a competitive price from a pre‑vetted installer.
- Choose whether to book an in‑person roof survey. The Switch Together helpdesk is available for queries.
- Agree an installation date, subject to your property being suitable.
- Begin generating renewable electricity from your new solar PV system.
Planning permission
Most solar PV installations are considered permitted development, meaning planning permission is not usually required. However, applications may be necessary for properties in conservation areas, on listed buildings or in other sensitive locations.
Find advice about planning permission.
Get in touch
For questions about new or existing installations, you can contact Switch Together for free:
- Online via the Switch Together support page
- Phone: 0800 014 8851 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)
Partners
iChoosr operates Switch Together as an independent expert in group buying. The scheme has been promoted across Kent since 2020, working in partnership with all 12 Kent local authorities and Medway Council. The programme ensures residents can access competitively priced solar installations from vetted suppliers.
Quality and customer service
Before joining the scheme, installers undergo checks to confirm their experience, quality standards and capacity. Set standards for products and workmanship help ensure high‑quality installations. Third‑party audits are carried out to verify compliance with installation requirements.
Throughout the scheme, the councils and iChoosr monitor progress and customer satisfaction.
As of September 2025, Switch Together has facilitated:
- 3,920 solar PV and battery installations
- 250 electric vehicle chargers
Find out more
If you have more questions about solar panels, such as their maintenance or how you can sell surplus electricity to the grid, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
For more information, visit the UK Switch Together website.