AN IVYBRIDGE firm has donated solar panels to the town's Dame Hannah Rogers Trust.

Renewable energy company Eco NRG Ltd fitted the panels to two of the charity's young adult transition bungalows, used so further education students can live independently.

The installation beat the Government's December 12 deadline for reducing the solar feed-in tariff.

The Trust will now receive an income from the feed-in tariff and benefit from lower electricity bills.

Nigel Jenkins, managing director of Eco NRG Ltd, said: "We had two small solar systems surplus to requirements and wanted to donate them to a worthy cause.

"I'm impressed by the ethos of the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, and how it empowers disabled people to live lives to the full.

"I was delighted they were able to find a good home for the panels.

"My team worked really hard to install the panels before the feed-in tariff reduces.

"It means the charity will get the best possible return from our donation as they'll earn the higher rate of 43.3p per kWh."

Andrew Dean, director of development at Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, said: "We take pride in helping young people with physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties.

"Our aim is to enable them to realise their potential and live as independently and sustainably as possible.

"The solar panels Eco NRG Ltd donated are a gift with longevity."