Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has unveiled its first solar panels today.

The council's installation of 400 solar panels on the roof of the Tennis Centre in Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre aims to produce electricity which could help the council reduce its energy bill.

The new 100kw system can produce electricity which could meet over 30% of the building's yearly energy needs.

Visitors to the centre in St John's Rd can track how much energy the panels have produced from an electronic display at the reception. It will show how much electricity has been generated and how much carbon has been saved through the panels.

The installation was carried out by East Sussex based company Ecosphere Renewables and took four weeks to complete. It was unveiled by Councillor Paul Barrington-King, sustainability portfolio holder.

He said: "This solar PV installation is an exciting step in the implementation of our carbon management plan and represents an appropriate use for the technology and a good investment.

"This system will provide a source of clean energy for the tennis centre for the next 25 years, it will payback our investment and provide a source of income in the future."

The system will also be able to claim a so-called feed-in tariff for energy which is produced and will export electricity into the national grid contributing to the county-wide target to increase energy from renewable sources.

Company director, Rob Santler said: "It was a privilege to work with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in the design and installation of the Council’s first PV system.

"Ecosphere Renewables are very pleased to help towards local council and national carbon reduction targets.

"PV systems are ideal for buildings that have large roofs and a high energy usage, and this installation recognises the important role Solar PV can play in making energy production more sustainable."