A SOLAR panel project that will save more than £24,000 every year is being rolled out across schools and care homes in Renfrewshire.

Five schools now have completed panels and the project is moving on to care homes before three more schools have panels installed in early 2015.

Councillor Iain McMillan said they were "extremely worthwhile and efficient."

He said: "Because we'll be generating our own energy via the panels we'll cut the amount we need to spend on energy by £24,800 every year as a result of the first phase.

"So far this year, five schools have had panels installed and we're now moving on to our three care homes. We have plans for a further three schools and the new Johnstone Town Hall next year.

"Across these 12 sites combined, the solar panels will cut 48 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually."

The schools are Castlehead High, Trinity High, Gryffe High, Johnstone High and St James primary.

Care homes involved are Monrtrose, Renfrew, and Weavers Linn.

Schools taking part in early 2015 are Renfrew High, Paisley Grammar, and Parkmains High.