Switch Together Walsall FAQs

iChoosr was founded in 2008 and is privately owned. Before it entered the UK energy market in 2012, it focused on group-buying schemes in the Netherlands and Belgium. It now works with community leaders helping households select energy, solar power and heat pump suppliers. As in the UK, its operations continue to grow across Europe, North America and Japan. 

Solar panels are a good investment. By generating your own electricity from your own solar panels, you can save your energy bills, be less reliant on energy suppliers and protect yourself from rising energy prices. The energy from sun is a proven clean and renewable energy source. By using it, you are taking a step to tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions to the atmosphere. 

Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, they can be found on millions of UK homes, making them a familiar and proven way to cut energy bills. They are one of the most common and accessible renewable technologies in the country.

Savings will vary as it depends on when you are at home, the pattern of how you use the energy and how much energy you use. Installing a battery with the solar panels typically increases the long-term savings and helps to recoup the cost of installation. 

If you don’t use all the energy your panels generate, you can store the excess energy in the battery storage for use later -- for example, at night or on cloudy days. Alternatively, you can consider exporting the surplus electricity to the grid and earn money from it. 

You will be advised on the size of solar PV system (and if required battery storage) appropriate for the level of your electricity consumption. However, if you don’t use all the energy your panels generate, the surplus will be exported to the grid.

New regulations require medium and large energy suppliers to offer tariffs that pay you for exported energy. This is called the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG).

Yes, SMEs are welcome to join. If you wish to upgrade your energy system by installing solar panels, batteries and EV chargers, please register with Switch Together: Walsall

Spread the news with your peers as the more registrations the scheme receives, the greater chance to have a better deal. 

Yes, community organisations are welcome. Sharing the news within your networks helps more organisations benefit. The more registrations the scheme receives, the greater chance to have a better deal.  Register with Switch Together: Walsall

Yes, the scheme supports group buying of solar panels, batteries and EV chargers. You can register to have batteries storage or EV chargers to your existing solar system to maximise the benefits of your system.

Yes, you will become the owner of the system and components you purchased. Switch Together West Midland is a group-buying scheme that you will have full ownership of the product after your purchase.

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, solar panels need some maintenance. 

• Regular rainfall will usually wash away light dirt on your solar panels, but it’s sensible to have them professionally cleaned every 1-2 years, depending on their condition. 
• To prolong the lifespan of your system, you may also want a more detailed inspection every 4-5 years. 
• Solar PV systems installed through Switch Together include a standard set of warranties, such as at least a 10‑year product warranty on all components, a manufacturer‑backed power output guarantee, and a minimum of a 10‑year workmanship warranty.

Solar PV panel installations are considered a ‘permitted development’, which means that for most domestic properties, planning permission is not required.

However, planning permission may be required in some cases, such as in Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings.

Find out more about planning permission and when it's needed.
 

If you have previously heard of Solar Together, it has now rebranded as Switch Together. Everything you trusted about Solar Together remains the same — with even more ways to save money, make your home greener and more energy-efficient.

Switch Together helps residents access solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, EV chargers, and smarter energy tariffs — all in one place. You can benefit from trusted expert guidance, exclusive group-buying savings, and support every step of the way.

iChoosr manages the process from registration to the point you accept your personal recommendation and pay your £150 deposit. After you have paid your deposit, the winning installer becomes responsible for installing the equipment on your house. Meanwhile, iChoosr will remain available to provide support. The installer will arrange an on-site roof survey. If your roof is found to be unsuitable for installing a solar system, you will be informed and your deposit refunded. 

Walsall Council has partnered with iChoosr to deliver the Switch Together scheme. The Council’s role is solely to promote this opportunity to Walsall residents.  The Council will not be involved or have responsibility for the installation of the equipment on your house.