University turns to solar power

A University of Manchester building is set to go green in a £120,000 scheme to install solar roof panels.

Funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, the panels will provide 41,000 units of power - enough to make about two million cups of tea a year.

The scheme is part of a government drive to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate expert Dr Kevin Anderson said: "Even with our bad weather... it's possible to reduce carbon emissions utilising solar panels."

'Extremely important'

The 196 panels, which will be installed on the flat roof of the School of Sciences and the School of Environment and Development in Bridgeford Street, will be the second biggest solar scheme in Manchester after the CIS Tower which produces 180,000 units of electricity each year.

Dr Anderson, director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University, added: "It's extremely important that the university is shown to be setting an example."

The University is one of 16 projects being funded by the DTI at a total cost of £1.2m.

Cumbria-based Penrith Co-Operative Society is the only other north west applicant to be given funding according to the government who revealed the list of successful applicants on Thursday.

The Society plans to incorporate numerous sustainable features including solar panels into a refurbishment of its Edwardian building.