A voluntary environmental group is inviting local residents to a free public event to help people reduce energy bills, improve home energy efficiency and find out about a group solar discount scheme.

At Transition Oundle’s ‘Home Energy Matters’ event the group will be launching their local group solar discount scheme, in partnership with GENR8 Energy Ltd. The more people who sign up to the scheme, the greater the potential discount on their solar installation.

Transition Oundle is a voluntary environmental organisation that supports local residents in taking practical steps towards lower-carbon and lower-waste living.

Camilla Sherwin, co-ordinator of Transition Oundle, said: “Investing in solar panels makes financial sense, as well as being a good thing to do if you want to reduce your environmental impact and become more energy secure. This is the second group solar purchase that Transition Oundle has co-ordinated.

placeholder image — Camilla Sherwin of Transition Oundle

"Last time, eight homeowners joined in and, given everything that has been happening recently, we wanted to test the water to see if there is further interest.

“Anyone wanting to find out more should come to Transition Oundle’s ‘Home Energy Matters’ event on May 21, when we will be discussing this initiative as well as hearing from local residents and professionals about how to reduce home energy bills and carbon emissions.”

The first event held by Transition Oundle allowed people to hear from a panel of other local residents who have successfully improved their homes and share experience and advice in a trusted peer-to-peer session, with industry professionals on hand to answer questions.

Panellists will share their knowledge and experience on energy efficiency, smart controls, heat pumps, solar panels and related technologies and retrofitting historic properties – even for those in rented accommodation.

Organisers say the event is designed to be ‘informal, practical and based around real-life experience’ rather than technical jargon.

Attendees will be able to ask questions during a panel discussion before speaking directly with contributors on a one-to-one basis afterwards.

Jaime Aldaya, GENR8 Energy’s co-director, said: “We’re really happy to be able to support with a bulk buy discount scheme because we want to help make this technology as accessible as possible. Costs for everything are going up - for energy, for fuel, for food - so cutting any part of people’s household bills can be a huge help.

"Solar can cut bills from 30 to 50per cent, in some cases more, and it’s a solution that pays for itself usually within around five years. Home batteries can also offer similar savings but they can be more of a flexible investment because you can take them with you if you move.

“The more people sign up, the bigger discount we will offer - we’ve tried to offer an even bigger discount than Transition Oundle’s previous group buy scheme to give people even more value and a quicker payback time.

"We hope the scheme will inspire even more people with solar and how exciting it can be to generate your own energy, and most importantly, leave people feeling in control and protected from ever increasing energy price hikes.”

‘Home Energy Matters’ takes place on Thursday, May 21 at 7pm prompt, with doors opening at 6.30pm at the Oundle Suite of Fletton House in Glapthorn Road, Oundle.

Entry is free, but advance registration is requested to help organisers manage numbers – register using an Eventbrite registration link or by emailing [email protected].