Camels Head resident Barbara Cann has become the first PCH tenant to have solar panels installed on her roof as part of a new pilot scheme.

Mrs Cann was among the first group of residents to sign up for the photo voltaics (PV) panels, which should hopefully see a reduction in householders’ energy bills.

Mrs Cann said: “It’s a wonderful idea. I’m sure when the next electricity bill comes in we are going to see a difference.

“We’ve also had new front and back uPVC doors fitted recently and that’s made a change – I don’t seem to have noticed the draughts I once did.”

People living at Camels Head have been among the first tenants to get the photo voltaics (PVs) installed by FWJ and Prolectric Services, who have won the contract to fit the panels.

A number of panels have also been installed on the roof of the Camels Head community room at Weston Mill so tenants can view them in action.

PCH is installing the panels on around 150 homes across the city as part of a trial which could eventually be extended to more homes.

Solar panels work by producing electricity during daylight hours, meaning the householder doesn’t have to pull electricity from the grid, thereby reducing their energy bills.

Tenants who go ahead and have the panels installed will need to have an amendment to their existing tenancy agreement that says they agree for PCH to maintain them.

For now, the panels will go on homes in Carlton Terrace, Weston Mill Drive, Kings Tamerton Road, Herschel Gardens, Langdale Close and Fountains Crescent. They have been chosen because the roofs are a good size and orientation for the panels.