RIDGEGROVE Estate in Launceston could be one of the first areas in Cornwall to benefit from investment in solar panels.

The scheme, which could provide hot water as well as much cheaper electricity bills, is being considered by Cornwall Council.

The former government set up a scheme to encourage local authorities to invest in solar power and created a 'feed-in' tariff which means that any excess energy that is produced and fed into the national grid will mean a payment of around 41p per unit.

For more on the proposals, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.