Solar success: what residents are saying about the Energy Saver App solar and battery scheme

The Energy Saver App solar and battery trial is helping households across Oxfordshire take a big step towards cheaper, greener energy – and the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

From December 2024 to April 2025, a group of local residents had solar panels and batteries installed at home with no upfront cost, as part of a Government-backed pilot scheme supported by Oxfordshire County Council.

We recently checked in with participants to find out how things have gone. Here’s what they had to say.

A bright idea that’s already paying off

• 86% of respondents said they would be likely to recommend the scheme to friends or family
• Most said they would not have been able to afford solar panels without this opportunity
• Installations were typically completed in just one day with minimal disruption

And the quotes speak for themselves:

“It’s a no-brainer. We would never have been able to afford the outlay without this opportunity.”

“The whole experience and process has been excellent. To be able to have this technology at the cost charged is amazing.”

“I’ve already been recommending this to friends and family. It’s a brilliant offer – for our finances and for the good of the planet.”

“This kind of programme could be a game changer for Oxfordshire and the UK’s move towards net zero. It benefits the planet and saves money – I would highly recommend”

Smooth installations, happy households

People described the installation process as fast, tidy and hassle-free. Many praised the professionalism and friendliness of the teams:

“Very efficient, minimal disruption, and the job looks fantastic.”

“Everyone turned up when they said they would, explained things clearly and left everything neat and tidy.”

From the first phone call to the final switch-on, residents felt well looked after – and thrilled to see their energy meters running in reverse.

Seeing the impact firsthand

With solar panels working in the background and batteries storing excess energy, residents are already noticing changes to their bills and habits.

The Energy Saver App also plays a role in helping households track their energy use and discover ways to cut waste:

“The app is a great tool – it’s helped us reduce our energy use and change habits.”

“It’s very interesting to see the links between how we use the home and our energy usage.”

A future-friendly model

What made this trial special wasn’t just the technology – it was the model. By removing the upfront cost and offering ongoing support, the scheme has made solar power a real option for people who had previously written it off as unaffordable.

“We’ve wanted solar for years, but the maths never worked. This scheme changed that.”

“It gave us confidence that the offer was genuine and backed by the council.”

What’s next?

The trial has shown that with the right support, more people are ready to make the switch to clean energy – not just for the planet, but for their own peace of mind.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and shared their feedback. Their insights are helping us shape what comes next.

As one resident put it:

“This has been an amazing experience, where Oxfordshire County Council and Metis have worked together to make renewable energy generation and lower bills more accessible to a lot of homes, this is truly commendable and we as a family are very grateful.”