A solar panel project is due to be expanded to more sites throughout Renfrewshire, it has been unveiled.

The scheme aims to save more than £24,000 each year, as well as reduce CO2 emissions by up to 48 tonnes.

Renfrewshire Council has confirmed the first phase of the project has already been completed a five schools in the area, and work will now be phased out to local care homes.

The sites where solar panel installation has been completed include Castlehead High, Gryffe High, Johnstone High, Trinity High, and St James Primary; while Montrose Care Home and Renfrew Care Home have also just been completed.

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Other projects scheduled for early this year are Weavers Linn Respite, Renfrew High, Paisley Grammar, Parkmains High and Johnstone Town Hall. In addition, the council has said it plans to extend the project to a second phase later in 2015.

Councillor Iain McMillan, Health and Social Care Convener, said: "Our solar panels project is extremely worthwhile and efficient. Because we'll be generating our own energy via the panels we'll cut the amount we need to spend on energy by £24,800 every year as a result of the first phase.

"So far this year, five schools have had panels installed and we're now moving on to our three care homes. We have plans for a further three schools and the new Johnstone Town Hall next year."

He continued: "Across these 12 sites combined, the solar panels will cut 48 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually – meaning we're taking a significant step forward in our commitment to be a greener council."

(JP/CD)