National Trust museum in Devon turns to solar power
Solar panels have been installed by the National Trust at one of its historic properties in Devon.
Eighty-six glass panes on the roof of the Carriage Museum at Arlington Court, near Barnstaple, have been replaced with photovoltaic panels.
The trust said the panels will reduce electricity bills at the attraction.
It also hopes to generate an income of about £2,270 a year by selling the solar energy produced to electricity suppliers.
Ana Chylack, Arlington Court's property manager, said: "We have worked hard across the property to reduce our energy consumption and it has already really made a difference to our bills."
The panels will generate up to 6.3 megawatt hours of electricity a year, saving about £600 on electricity bills.
The trust said the panels would also help protect the carriages by reducing the amount of ultraviolet light they are exposed to.
It said ultraviolet light could damage delicate fabric and wood.
The museum currently houses 46 horse-drawn carriages, including former royal ones.
Arlington Court is the 25th National Trust property to embrace green energy.
The organisation said it was hoping to cut its total energy consumption by 20% by 2020 and to switch to using renewable energy.