A CAR maker has opened a solar farm to increase its green credentials.

Nissan has switched on a 19,000-panel site at its Sunderland plant.

The farm will operate alongside ten existing wind turbines and is expected to provide enough electricity to make more than 31,000 vehicles every year.

Colin Lawther, senior vice president for manufacturing, purchasing and supply chain management in Europe, said the improvements will deliver significant benefits for the Wearside factory, where Nissan makes the all-electric Leaf hatchback.

He said: “We have built more than 50,000 Leafs in Europe and this solar farm will further reduce the environmental impact of vehicles.”

Mr Lawther added the solar farm has been installed in the loop of Nissan’s Sunderland test track.

The Japanese firm’s Wearside plant employs 6,800 people and makes the Leaf alongside its Qashqai, Juke and Note models.

However, The Northern Echo last month exclusively revealed the site will stop making the Note in £22m plans aimed at delivering more Qashqais.

Work is scheduled to be finished by the end of the year, with Nissan saying the Note will no longer be sold in Europe.

A spokesman added a new Micra model, built in France, will cover its absence.

The company’s Sunderland plant also makes the luxury Q30 under its sister brand Infiniti’s marque and will produce the QX30 as the business targets the premium car sector.