Solar Together Hampshire 2026: Group Buying Guide

How Solar Together Hampshire Works

Solar Together Hampshire uses a reverse auction model to secure competitive prices for solar installations. Instead of individual homeowners negotiating with installers, the scheme combines the purchasing power of hundreds or thousands of registrations to negotiate bulk rates.

The process runs in rounds, typically once or twice per year. During an open registration period lasting several weeks, Hampshire residents register their interest through the Solar Together website or their local council website. Registration is free and carries no obligation.

After the registration window closes, a reverse auction is held. Pre-approved installers compete against each other to win the contract by offering the lowest price for the combined volume of installations. The winning installer then provides personalised offers to each registered household based on their specific property and requirements.

Once you receive your personal offer, you have several weeks to decide whether to accept. There is no obligation to proceed. If you accept, the installation is typically completed within 3-6 months. Throughout the process, iChoosr provides a dedicated support line and quality assurance monitoring.

• Free registration with no obligation to proceed
• Reverse auction drives prices down through competition
• Pre-approved, vetted installers only
• Personal offer based on your specific property
• Dedicated support and quality assurance from iChoosr
• Typically 1-2 rounds per year across Hampshire

Expected Savings and Pricing

Solar Together schemes across the UK typically deliver savings of 15-25% compared to individual quotes from the same installers. The exact discount depends on the number of registrations in each round and the competitive dynamics of the auction.

Based on previous Solar Together Hampshire rounds, typical prices for a complete solar installation are approximately 10-20% below the average market rate. For a standard 4kW solar-only system, this could mean paying £5,500-7,000 through Solar Together compared to £6,000-8,000 through individual quotes.

However, it is important to compare like-for-like. Solar Together installers may use different panel and inverter brands than those offered by independent local installers. The specification of components can significantly affect both the upfront cost and long-term performance of your system.

The scheme also offers battery storage add-ons and EV charger installations. Battery pricing through Solar Together has been competitive, though the brand options may be more limited than what an independent installer can offer. Always compare the specific components, warranties, and after-sales support when evaluating your Solar Together offer against independent quotes.

• Typical discount: 15-25% below average market rates
• 4kW solar system: approximately £5,500-7,000 via Solar Together
• Battery add-ons available at competitive rates
• EV charger installation also offered
• Compare component specifications, not just headline prices

Which Hampshire Councils Participate

Solar Together Hampshire is a county-wide initiative, but participation is managed at the district and borough council level. Most Hampshire councils actively participate, though the registration process and timing may vary slightly between areas.

Currently participating councils include Hampshire County Council as the coordinating authority, plus Fareham Borough Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, Winchester City Council, Havant Borough Council, Gosport Borough Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hart District Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, and East Hampshire District Council.

Southampton and Portsmouth, as unitary authorities, run their own schemes separately. The New Forest District Council may participate in some rounds. Check your specific council website for current scheme availability and registration dates.

Registration windows are typically announced through council websites, social media, and local press. Some councils also send direct mail to households in their area. Signing up for your council email newsletter is the best way to be notified when the next round opens.

• Hampshire County Council: scheme coordinator
• Fareham, Eastleigh, Winchester: active participants
• Havant, Gosport, Test Valley: active participants
• Basingstoke, Hart, Rushmoor, East Hampshire: participating
• Southampton and Portsmouth: separate schemes
• Check your council website for next registration dates

Solar Together vs Private Installation

Choosing between Solar Together and an independent local installer comes down to several factors beyond price alone. Both options have advantages depending on your priorities and circumstances.

Solar Together offers the reassurance of council backing, competitive group-buying prices, and a structured complaints resolution process. The vetting of installers by iChoosr provides a safety net, and the scale of the scheme means the installer is committed to maintaining quality across hundreds of installations.

An independent local installer like Solent Solar offers more flexibility in component selection, allowing you to choose from premium brands like SigEnergy, Fox ESS, and GoodWe rather than being limited to the Solar Together winning bidder range. Local installers can also typically offer faster installation timelines, more personalised system design, and direct ongoing relationships for maintenance and support.

For homeowners who prioritise the lowest upfront cost and council-backed consumer protection, Solar Together is an excellent option. For those who want specific premium brands, custom system design, or faster installation, an independent local installer may better serve your needs.

Our recommendation is to register for Solar Together, as it is free and non-binding, while also getting quotes from independent installers. This gives you the best possible comparison and ensures you make an informed decision.

• Solar Together: council-backed, competitive pricing, structured complaints process
• Private installer: brand choice, custom design, faster timelines
• Solar Together may limit brand and specification options
• Private installers offer ongoing local relationship
• Best approach: register for both and compare offers