PEOPLE are being asked to sign up for a new scheme to put solar panels on up to 25 schools and leisure centres in the Scottish capital in what will be the biggest community energy push of its kind the UK.

Residents are the first to be encouraged to buy shares in the project run by the Edinburgh Community Solar Co-operative, with the minimum share purchase of £250 per person.

Once complete it should generate enough green energy to build a £1 million community fund and save the council nearly a tonne of carbon dioxide every year.

Co-op members will get a projected return of five per cent per year on their share.

Former BBC presenter Heather "the Weather" Reid formally launched the scheme at Gylemuir Primary School.

She said: "I think it is a terrific initiative.

"Scotland’s east coast sees on average more than 1,200 hours of sunshine a year and this is plenty to generate significant amounts of green power.

"It has clearly captured the imagination of the children at Gylemuir Primary School and I hope they are encouraging their parents and grandparents - and even local businesses - to buy some shares.”

Dr Richard Dixon, director of Friends of the Earth Scotland and chairman of the co-op that also involves councillors and energy experts, said: “This share offer is a great way for residents of Edinburgh - and beyond - to become part owner of a renewable energy scheme.

“Anyone in Scotland, in fact anyone in the UK, can apply to buy shares, but preference will be given to people living within the City of Edinburgh Council area.

"In total we are looking to raise £1.4m, and if the offer is, as we hope, oversubscribed, Edinburgh folk will be first in line.

“Every co-op member is projected to receive a return of five per cent on their shares, and any surplus the co-op generates will go towards a Community Benefit Fund which will support new sustainable energy projects across the city.

In the first five years of the project, applications for funding will be invited from users of the buildings on which panels have been installed.

Adam McVey, council vice convener of transport and environment, said: “This a wonderful project and will bring significant long term environmental, social and economic benefits to the city.

“We have an ambitious target of reducing Edinburgh’s carbon emissions by 42 per cent by 2020 and this new community co-operative is an important step towards us achieving this.”

Stephanie Clark, policy manager at Scottish Renewables, said the solar trend is growing and 660,000 such panels are installed across the country.

She said: “The technology allows the public to generate their own power, saving carbon emissions and money.

"Edinburgh Solar Cooperative’s share offer will give many more people - some of whom may not have access to their own rooftop - a chance to share in the benefits solar brings.

“It is important to remember, though, that the solar industry is currently facing UK Government cuts of more than 80 per cent, which would render many schemes unviable.”

Subject to approval, the shares will also be eligible for the income tax relief of 30 per cent on any investment.