SOLAR panels are set to be installed on a number of schools across the county.

Dorset County Council’s cabinet gave the green light to investing £1.5million in photovoltaic panels to be placed on the roofs of schools and other council-owned buildings in an initiative that is expected to double the authority’s money.

Director for environment Miles Butler told cabinet members that new government tariffs had been introduced to make it an ideal time for local authorities to invest in renewable energies.

He said: “By far and away the most efficient way of providing this is by the installation of photovoltaic panels.

“As holders of a large portfolio of buildings we have got opportunities to install these things.”

Mr Butler said that by borrowing around £1.5million to invest in these photovoltaic panels, the council would receive a significant return through the savings on its own energy costs as well as revenue from supplying energy.

He said: “If we were to invest something like £1.5million in the installation of photovoltaics the return over a 25-year period, once we have taken account of the repayment of loans and interest, would be another £1.5million.”

Renewable energy development officer Pete West told members that the council had already received 53 expressions of interest from schools – with a maximum of 25 due to be selected.

The installations need to be complete by March next year.