Islington Council expects electricity savings of £1.5 million over the next 30 years, after installing more than 1,800 solar panels on three of its buildings.

There are 900 new panel at the Reuse and Recycling Centre in Hornsey Street, 850 at Sobell Leisure Centre and 100 at the council’s Upper Street customer service centre.

They will provide free and environmentally-friendly electricity to council buildings, with any excess generated to be sold back into the National Grid.

The panels will also save an estimated 190 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere every year, equivalent to that produced by driving a car to the moon and back.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, executive member for environment and transport, said: “These solar panels are a win-win for the council and residents.

“Not only will they significantly reduce the council’s carbon footprint and electricity bills, they will also generate much-needed income, helping to reduce the pressure on the council’s budget in the long term and help protect us against fluctuating electricity prices.”