A COUNCIL was so impressed by a couple's solar-powered hot water system that it intends installing it in its own houses.

David and Margaret Gray, of Bolton Avenue, Richmond, say the single solar panel on their roof heats more hot water that they can use in the summer.

The equipment cost about £2,500 to buy and install.

As well as being environmentally-friendly, Mr Gray believes it will pay for itself within ten years.

He said: "Being able to use the sun instead of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas appeals to us very much.

"We feel the less carbon dioxide we produce the better.

"It provides us with more than enough hot water through the five summer months. Even in winter we can hear the solar electric motor whirring away pumping hot water into the boiler."

The solar panel on the roof is connected to the home's existing plumbing.

The only extra piece of equipment needed was a water softener to stop limescale in the hard Richmond water clogging up the panel and narrow pipes.

The system was inspected by Colin Dales, housing unit manager from Richmondshire District Council, after the authority received a £20,000 grant towards using renewable energy sources.

After the Grays' system met his approval, Mr Dales proposed the authority install the equipment in eight of its own council houses.

Officers hope engineers can start fitting the system to homes in the next eight weeks. If successful, the authority aims to fit solar panels for hot water as part of its routine council house improvements programme.

Since the Grays bought their system, the Government has introduced grants of up to £500 for householders fitting solar energy equipment.