Brynford resident, Pete Brunto , is the first homeowner in the county to install a solar hot water system with financial assistance from the authority.

He will receive a total of £800 in grants for the set-up, half from the government's Low Carbon Building Programme managed by the Energy Saving Trust and the other half from Flintshire County Council.

The Flint-Solar Scheme which was launched on July 1 has received some interest.

But only Mr Brunton has so far decided to have the system installed.

Mr Brunton said: "I found the whole application and installation process remarkably easy and I found the Low Carbon Building Programme staff very helpful through the advice line.

"I'm delighted with the installation and within an hour of installation, the system was producing hot water."

Nia Prys-Williams from the council said: "With record breaking oil prices and the increasing cost of gas, solar hot water systems are worth investigating for any household with a large hot water demand."

Flintshire Council has enough funding to support another 19 installations in Flintshire and is keen for more householders to come forward.

For an information pack call 01352 703766.