Switch Together is back for another year, helping Dorset residents save money on energy bills and generate their own clean, renewable electricity. Following the great success of last year's programme, which delivered 241 solar installations and more than 1MW of new solar capacity across Dorset, we're giving even more households the opportunity to benefit from trusted, competitively priced solar installations. Together, participants installed 2,386 solar panels, helping cut carbon emissions by an estimated 152 tonnes each year while supporting Dorset's transition to a cleaner energy future.

We’re helping more residents switch to clean energy through Dorset’s Switch Together scheme, as part of our commitment to become carbon neutral by 2040.

Switch Together is a group-buying initiative that helps Dorset households get high-quality solar panels and battery storage at competitive prices.

Delivered by independent experts iChoosr, the scheme combines the buying power of residents to negotiate better deals with trusted solar installers. 

Register your interest and learn more on the Switch Together website

Already have solar panels? 

You can also register to add battery storage to your existing solar panels to make the most of your system.

Do solar panels need planning permission?

Most solar PV installations are classed as 'permitted development' and don’t generally need planning permission. However, in some cases, such as in Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings, planning permission may be required. We offer planing advice if you need it.

What are the long-term savings of installing solar panels?

Solar panels can help reduce your electricity bills over time, but the amount you save will depend on several factors such as:

  • the size and angle of the roof
  • any shading from nearby trees and buildings
  • how much electricity you use
  • how energy efficient your home is

To find out how much you could save with solar panels, use the Energy Saving Trust's solar calculator. Or, for more general advice on which energy efficiency and renewable energy measures would suit your home and lifestyle, try the free Homewise tool. It gives impartial advice on how to can make your home, warmer, greener, and cheaper to run.

How does it work?

Registering interest for the 2026/2027 phase is now open. Deadline for registrations is 25 September 2026.
 
  1. Registration:
    You can register for free and without obligation on the Switch Together website. To register, you simply provide details about your roof, such as its size and orientation.
  2. Auction:
    A reverse auction will be held where pre-vetted solar installers 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.
  3. Personal recommendation:
    From 22 September 2026, you will be emailed your personal recommendation based on your registration details. This includes your costs and specifications of your system.
  4. You decide:
    The decision is then yours whether you want to accept your recommendation. There is no obligation to continue. Switch Together will let you know how long you have to accept your recommendation and update you before the scheme closes.
  5. Installation:
    If you accept, the winning installer will contact you to survey your roof and set an installation date. All installations are planned to be completed by the end of June 2027.

Telephone and email support are on-hand throughout the whole process, which, together with information sessions, will allow households to make an informed decision in a safe and hassle-free environment.

For more information, visit the Switch Together website, where you can register for the scheme and get in touch with the Switch Together helpdesk.

Find out more about iChoosr, the organisation behind Switch Together.

While Switch Together offers a group-buying approach for solar panel installation, you may also want to get additional quotes from other reputable sources, such as those listed on Buy with confidence or similar platforms, to make sure it is the best fit for your individual needs.