Solar panels installed as part of new development

Solar panels are to be installed on properties as part of a new development in Northern Ireland, according to reports.

Solarcentury, a microgeneration firm, is joining forces with W Copeland and Son in order to produce a series of environmentally-friendly homes.

New Energy Focus asserts that 36 apartments and townhouses in Newtownards will be fitted with the company's C21e tiles, which will together provide 26 kilowatts of energy.

These additions will save 14 tonnes of CO2 every year, as well as promote a sense of environmental responsibility, according to the house-builders.

A spokesperson for NIE Energy - which has also been working on the project - Gwyneth Scott, spoke of the benefits that homeowners will be able to enjoy.

She commented: "The future homeowners of this type of property will not only enjoy lower energy bills, they will also be doing their bit for the local environment by substantially reducing CO2 emissions."

The Energy Saving Trust claims that by installing solar water heating in the home, some 325kg of CO2 could be saved every year, as well as £50 on hot water bills.