Farmers across Northern Ireland will be able to harness the power of the sun to slash their energy costs.

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has launched a new grant scheme to support farmers who want to install solar heating to help manage their demand for hot water.

Gwyneth Compston from NIE Energy said: "We believe there is a need to help stimulate the uptake of renewable technologies on farms in Northern Ireland, so we are delighted to be able to offer this new Farm Solar Water Heating Grant to local farmers.

"Installing solar water heating will not only have a positive impact on farm energy bills, which is especially welcome in the current economic climate, but it will also help the local environment in terms of reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

We hope that this funding will help to encourage local farmers to consider a more sustainable future in terms of their on-farm energy use."

The NIE SMART Programme funding will offer successful applicants a grant for solar water heating of £900 for a 1 wash system (up to 300litres of water) and £1,100 for a 2 wash system (over 300 litres of water) or an overall maximum of 25% of the installed costs, whichever is lesser.

The NIE SMART Farm Solar Water Heating Grant is a limited offer and is available only on a 'first come, first service' basis. Information can be found at www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk.