TWO vicarages have been fitted with solar panels after an environmental audit.

The vicarages of St. Mark’s, Cherry Orchard, Worcester, and Lindridge, near Tenbury Wells, have had the panels installed, along with new energy-efficient boilers, hot water cylinders and extra cavity wall and loft insulation.

It is part of a national trial to gather data on the benefits of energy improvements in vicarages.

It is hoped the changes will enable vicars to significantly reduce their energy bills as well as their carbon dioxide emissions.

The Rev Duncan Ballard, vicar of St. Mark’s, said: “The solar panels were installed in early August together with the new boiler. It took just a couple of days without any disruption in the house.

“We’re already saving about a third on our bills from this time last year and the savings should increase during the winter months.

“The best thing is that we can have hot showers in the mornings and evenings and know that it hasn’t cost anything because the water is heated by the sun. We could just do with a bit more sunshine!”

On a hot day, the temperature of the water can reach 45C (113F), but when it’s cloudier it is usually about 20C (68F), so the panels need support from the boiler, which kicks in automatically when it is needed.

This is just the first of a series of changes being made to clergy housing as part of the diocese’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

It is hoped solar panels will shortly be installed in the vicarage in Clifton on Teme, which will also be the first vicarage to be heated by a wood pellet boiler.