One in every 45 households in Bury now has solar panels installed on their roofs as an increasing number of people across the UK explore alternative sources of energy.

New figures show that 1,774 households in Bury have solar panels installed on their property by MCS-certified companies as of June 9 meaning 2.2 per cent of households in the area have solar power technology in their homes.

It comes as the number of people across the UK exploring alternative energy sources like solar power has soared this year, with more people installing solar panels in March than in any month since December 2015.

Friends of the Earth said the rise in solar panel installations is "really encouraging", with people motivated by rising energy prices and the falling cost of solar technology.

Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, said the increase in solar panel installations is down to soaring energy prices, lower installation costs and a "growing awareness about climate breakdown".

However, he added that the pace of switching to clean energy is too slow and called on the Government to further encourage people to invest in green sources, such as solar power.

He said: "Installing solar panels is an opportunity extended only to those who can front the costs, with many millions who simply can’t afford that kind of investment.

"There are so many solutions that can make how we power and heat our homes greener. The Government must make it easier for people to access insulation, heat pumps and solar which are all a win for the planet as much as they are for reducing energy costs."

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said solar power is "a key part of our plans to power up Britain, helping to deliver cheaper, cleaner and more secure homegrown energy".

A spokesperson said the Government is working to connect projects to the grid faster and current targets would see the UK produce 70 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2035.