Renewable energy is energy that is generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished.
This includes sunlight, geothermal heat, wind, tides, water, and various forms of biomass. This energy cannot be exhausted and is constantly renewed.
As technology advances, so do the options available to homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient.
Renewable energy, such as air source heat pumps (ASHP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP), solar panels/ photovoltaics (PV) and thermal stores are all low carbon options that homeowners may feel would benefit their properties.
A useful guide on energy efficiency upgrades for Cambridgeshire residents is also available to read on Cambridgeshire County Council's website.
Further ideas and advice is available on the government Energy Efficient Home website and also the TrustMark website.
Cambridgeshire County Council is working in partnership with Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire, Fenland, Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire District Councils, on an innovative scheme to offer homeowners high-quality solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, to help deliver our vision of a zero-carbon county.
Solar panels are not complex but buying a solar system can be daunting. Solar Together Cambridgeshire is a group-buying scheme, which brings Cambridgeshire households together to get high-quality solar panels at a competitive price, helping you through the process and keeping you informed at every stage.
If you already have solar panels installed you can register to have battery storage added to your existing solar panels to maximise the benefits of your system.
Solar PV installations are considered a 'permitted development' and will generally not need planning permission. However, in some cases, such as in Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings, planning permission may be required. More details regarding planning advice can be found on our planning pages.
You can register for free and without obligation on the Solar Together website. To register, you simply provide details about your roof, such as its size and orientation.
An 'auction' will be held where pre-vetted solar installations will submit bids for the work. The more people that register, the better the deal should be for each household. The installer with the most competitive package will win the auction.
You will then be emailed your personal recommendation based on your registration details. This includes your costs and specifications of your system.
The decision is then yours whether you want to accept your recommendation. There is no obligation to continue. You will have until a specified date to decide and will be invited for an information session.
If you accept, the winning installer will contact you to survey your roof and set an installation date.