Some 200 solar panels have been added to a council building in Hull, in an attempt to make the city more energy efficient, the Hull Daily Mail reports.
The multi-storey car park at Pryme Street will use energy created to power local council buildings, in an attempt to save the local authority money, with any extra power expected to be sold back to the National Grid via the feed-in tariff.
Covering an area of 372 sq m, the photovoltaic panels are expected to generate some 41,450kw hours of energy a year – the equivalent amount to power four houses.
With energy costs continually on the rise, large organisations such as local councils are intent on reducing their reliance on gas and electricity from conventional sources, in order to reduce energy bills over the long term.
Solar panels are just one of the technological advances that can be utilised to achieve this, alongside LED lighting, high-grade insulation and double glazing.
Councillor Martin Mancey, portfolio holder for Energy City, said: that the solar panel scheme is "another step forward" for the local council.
"It continues to show our commitment and vision to become a leading energy city, as outlined in Hull's City Plan," he said.
"We will continue to explore other opportunities throughout our buildings and council homes to allow us make further steps forward to producing green energy, whether it's by district heating, biomass or wind turbines."
A reduction in energy bills will allow the local council to invest the money saved in much needed facilities and services for the local area.
If the Pryme Street scheme proves to be successful, the Hull City Council will look into the feasibility of rolling out the scheme to other areas throughout the constituency.
For homeowners looking to install solar technology in their own property, it would be worth contacting the local council to see if any schemes are available for the take-up of renewable technologies.