PENSIONERS in sheltered accommodation are proving to be a step ahead when it comes to thinking green.

Solar panels have been fitted to Northbrook House, in Knights Road, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, to make the block more environmentally friendly.

It is the first time Oxford City Council has used the technology on such a large scale.

The photovoltaic panels generate electricity which is then used in the home’s communal areas, such as in corridors and the laundry room.

The city council, which runs the home for 20 pensioners, said the £160,000 scheme would see a reduction in the amount tenants pay to live at Northbrook.

During the summer, when output exceeds demand, the extra power can be exported to the national grid, which will earn money for the council.

Janet Dyer, Northbrook House warden, said: “They are very good. I don’t think a lot of the residents have got a grasp of how it works, but anything that is going to save energy and money has got to be good.”

A screen has been placed in the entrance to the block so tenants can see how much energy is being produced at any one time. The display also shows the total amount of electricity produced.

Ed Turner, the city council’s executive member for housing, said: “This is the first scheme that Oxford City Homes has installed using technology on this scale.

“Some of our homes have solar hot water systems, which has provided a saving to our residents on their energy costs.

“These are good schemes for our tenants to have as they will save money on energy costs and they will help towards the council’s commitment to reducing carbon levels.”

The council received 50 per cent of the funds required for the project from the Government’s Low Carbon Building Programme.

This also part-funded the installation of solar panels on Wolvercote village hall, which went live last weekend.