Wiltshire residents will have the opportunity to join forces and invest in renewable energy through the third round of a council initiative.

Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council are partnering with group buying experts iChoosr to roll out the Solar Together scheme.

It will allow resident to invest in renewable energy from a trusted provider, saving on energy costs and reducing their carbon footprint.

Residents must either own their home or have permission form their landlordResidents must either own their home or have permission form their landlord (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

The scheme utilises group buying to leverage cheaper solar panel and installation costs from vetted providers.

It offers solar panels with optional battery storage and electric vehicle charge points.

For those who have already invested in solar panels, the scheme also offers battery storage installation, enabling residents to maximise how much of their self-generated energy they can use at home and become less dependent on electricity from the grid.

Registration is free and is now open, and will close on August 9.

Councillor Dominic Muns, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "Solar Together is a real gamechanger for solar panel technology in Wiltshire, offering residents the opportunity to get solar panels installed hassle-free at more affordable prices from trusted providers with all the support they need to make the most of their green investment.

"The previous schemes are on track to deliver 1,110 installations, totalling more than 10,660 solar panels and resulting in over £11 million invested by residents into the green economy.

"All of the schemes combined are also estimated to lead to a reduction of 22,000 tonnes of CO2 over the 25-year guaranteed lifetime of the solar panels installed."

Councillor Emma Bushell, Swindon Borough Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for organisational oversight, added that the initiative has helped more than 430 Swindon households access "quality solar panels and battery storage installations at a competitive price".

As well as residents, small and medium-sized non-domestic enterprises and Commonhold Associations can also take part, provided they own their premises or have permission from the landlord to install solar panels.

The lower cost of the product and installation is made possible by iChoosr holding a reverse auction with vetted installers who compete to offer the group of residents who have signed up the best price.

Across the country, iChoosr has helped facilitate more than 33,000 installations with 10-25 per cent savings against the market average.

There is no obligation to go ahead with purchasing solar panels if people register their interest.