Northern Ireland's only solar energy co-operative has launched a second Community Share offer which aims to cut electricity bills in half.

Northern Ireland Community Energy (NICE) launched NICE2 and hopes to raise £130,000 to install solar panels free of charge for up to 10 charitable and community organisations.

Last year NICE raised £150,000 with its first community share issue which was used to install solar panels in 13 organisations.

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One of those organisations is the Mornington Community project, which hosted the launch.

Heather Carey, Board member of the Mornington Community project, said: "As Mornington continues to grow and expand, the benefits of reduced energy costs means the organisation is able to save and continue to invest in the people of the Lower Ormeau, now and for years to come."

NICE Director, Karen Arbuckle, said: "Thirty seven organisations have expressed an interest this time round. Because we were able to achieve so much last year it has given us the incentive to go ahead with another project. There is huge demand for solar panels but unfortunately we won't be able to facilitate everybody."

(CD/JP)