'Largest' solar power scheme starts in Peterborough

Work has started on one of the largest roof-mounted solar power schemes in the UK.

Peterborough City Council is installing the panels on three buildings over the next few months.

The scheme, which will cost £5.7m, is funded by council borrowing and is expected to result in a £300,000-profit-per-year.

The initial phase should generate enough energy to power 12 homes for a year.

The panels will be installed on the former Freemans building, the town hall and the regional pool and fitness centre.

Installation of 1,500 panels on the Freemans building will be complete by the end of July. The remaining panels will be installed before the end of October.

The council's cabinet member for Environment Capital, Samantha Dalton, said the scheme would enable the council to reduce its own energy costs as well as setting up a limited company to sell energy to domestic and commercial users.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the council to demonstrate its innovation and forward-thinking approach to making our city cleaner and greener as part of our Environment Capital agenda," she said.