A Presentation from IChoosr Business Manager on the Solar Together Scheme.
Minutes:
Members received external presentation from Marie-Louise Abretti, Business Manager at IChoosr on the Solar Together Herts Scheme. IChoosr is an independent group buyer founded in the Netherlands in 2008 and have delivered 800 group buying schemes across 5 countries. IChoosr have been operational in the UK since 2013; they promote group buying as a win-win for all those involved. Marie Louise highlighted the benefits of the Hertfordshire Solar Together scheme for the residents and the councils when the scheme launches in August 2022. The benefits included:
· Cost effective
· IChoosr handles procurement process
· Helps carbon reduction and promotes green energy
· Experts are used providing reassurance to residents
· IChoosr completes a vetting process on potential suppliers
· IChoosr provides a helpdesk for residents
The presentation outlined how the scheme would work going through five stages. The first was the registration period where residents would receive letters and there would be a marketing campaign where residents have five weeks to sign up for the scheme.
The second stage was the auction. IChoosr works with installers in the region; vetting them to ensure they are qualified and able to deliver the scheme. Ahead of the launch of the scheme, this stage is already occurring ahead.
The third stage is personal recommendations. IChoosr contact residents about how many solar panels they could get and the price. The validated installer would be promoted to the resident.
The fourth stage gives residents five weeks, and they would receive additional information. If a resident agrees then a £150 deposit would be required which will be held by a 3rd party. The deposit would be deducted from the final bill after installation. The deposit will be refunded should the resident decide not to proceed. The resident and solar panel installer agree a date for the work to be completed; IChoosr would remain available to help the resident.
The final stage is electricity savings.
The following points were noted:
· Members felt it was a good scheme to be part of.
· Members asked if additional green technology such as air source heat pumps and insulation were available. Marie Louise stated heat pumps were in a pilot stage in the Netherlands. In the UK the options are with or without battery storage and residents can add EV charge point.
· Members queried the auction style and it was clarified that potential insulators submit a bid, IChoosr vets and check qualifications. The most competitive price in the region for the best quality product wins.
· Members sough clarification on how many cycles of registration would be available and how far apart they would be. Marie Louise stated it would be down to the councils to decide the frequency, however, most do one annually. IChoosr promote 4 rounds per year. For the Herts Solar Together Scheme the registration period will remain open till mid-September with installation starting in October/November. The installation process could take between four and six months.
· Members expressed that the next stage could open up during the first installation period.
· Members asked if there was a fee to be involved in the scheme. It was explained that there was no charge to the council. The installer paid a small fee to IChoosr.
· Members asked if there had been any difficulty with supply chains. It was stated there had been some challenges over the past few years. Marie Louise stated that prices are fixed for the residents no matter when they are installed and ordering in bulk can all security. IChoosr cannot promise no delays but the company checks the installers contingency plan and supply chain.
RESOLVED
That the update be noted