Energy from the panels will light communal areas

The panels have been erected on top of each tower block at College Bank in Rochdale and will provide enough power to run the lights in communal areas.

The "photovoltaic" panels will save more than 26,000 kw hours of electricity each year.

Any power not used by the environmentally-friendly panels will be sold back to the National Grid.

The Department of Trade and Industry, through the Energy Saving Trust, has funded more than half the cost of installing the system.

'Embrace technology'

The panels will start being used on Thursday.

Sheila Bamford, Chair of College Bank Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) said: "It is great that we are flying the flag for renewable energy here in Rochdale and I was thrilled to learn that we are the first high rise flats in the country to embrace this technology."

Councillor Ann Metcalfe, Lead Member for the Environment & Sustainability said: "This shows how important saving energy and tackling climate change are becoming to the residents of the borough.

"This project is an excellent example of the many things the council is doing to promote renewable energy and reduce our carbon dioxide emissions."