Social housing residents saved over £225,000 on their electric bills after Saliis Ltd, based in south Belfast, installed solar photo voltaic (PV) systems in homes owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

On average, households involved in the scheme have made potential savings of £20 of electricity per month.

Under the 'rent a roof' model, Saliis Ltd paid for the installation and maintenance of the solar PV panels with NIHE tenants benefiting from free electricity.

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So far, £5million has been invested within the local economy as a result of the PV panels system which was introduced in November last year.

NIHE's Director for Regional Services Siobhan McCauley said: "Fuel poverty remains a major issue for many of our tenants. One of the main causes is fluctuating fuel prices coupled with low household income. It is therefore important to explore efficient and sustainable solutions to tackle fuel poverty

"As Northern Ireland's Home Energy Conservation Authority, the installation of the solar PV panels on our households is helping to reduce the carbon footprint, save tenants money and combat energy inefficiency.

"Great feedback has been given by our tenants, who are able to see how much energy their homes are producing through the PV panels scheme.

"This innovative approach has not only transformed people's lives by saving on their energy bills, but is a clear example of investment in our homes and neighbourhoods."

(CD)