Solar panels are being offered through the initiative

However, a new system launched by Northern Ireland Electricity on Monday aims to convince local councils that solar power can save them money and benefit the environment.

DTI Energy Minister Stephen Timms joined representatives from NIE, Action Renewables and local councils across the province at Oxford Island in County Armagh for the launch of Solar21.

It is an initiative through which all local councils can get the opportunity to fit solar panels at a quarter of the usual price.

The idea is that each council would install the panels - known as a photovoltaic system - on one of its public buildings to generate up to 4,400 units of environmentally-friendly electricity each year.

Kirk Archibald from the Energy Saving Trust insisted a lack of sunshine was not a problem for the system to work.

'Cloudy'

"The beauty of a photovoltaic system is that you don't need a sunny climate for them to have a significant impact on energy costs," he said.

"Even on cloudy days in Northern Ireland, there is enough light in the atmosphere and photovoltaic cells still generate electricity."

Stephen McCully of NIE Supply said the technology had the potential to greatly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"Each system will reduce the carbon dioxide emitted into the local environment by 1.9 tonnes," he said.

"It is hoped that supporting this type of non-polluting energy source will help develop the market and encourage homes and businesses to invest in sustainable energy solutions."

Mr Timms said integrating fresh renewable energy sources into everyday use was one of the most important challenges in the coming years.

"I am therefore very impressed by the lead shown by NIE and the Energy Saving Trust in giving all local councils the chance to install solar systems, and I would encourage all councils to take advantage of the opportunity," he said.

Turning sunlight into energy could be the future

"Northern Ireland's councils are to be congratulated for their promotion of renewables and for leading by example."

Craigavon is the first council to sign up to the scheme, and its mayor, David Simpson, said he was pleased to be leading the way.

"Craigavon Council is committed, where possible, to using renewable energy and has gone even further by setting the target of 12% of our energy consumption from renewable sources," he said.

"This complements our existing hydro and wind schemes which are soon to be expanded."