The Power of God

A solar-powered church in Wales' Cynon Valley is producing a surplus of electricity and may begin to sell some to the National Grid, it has emerged.

St Joseph's Church was kitted out with 30 solar panels as part of £750,000 restoration work at the almost derelict building.Father David Way admits he initially doubted that enough electricity for the church would be provided.But the £33,000 panels on the Victorian church are producing more power than it needs, and the extra can be sold on.

Speaking to the BBC last week Father Way said that during the planning stages parishioners had wanted to make sure the church was as environmentally friendly as possible while maintaining the heritage of the building.

"Cwmaman isn't the sunniest place and I was concerned we were going to spend all this money and get no return," said Fr Way...but they do work and they supply an amazing amount of electricity....We are planning to supply the National Grid which will also generate an income for the church.

There are also plans to utilise rain water for the toilets and to install the most energy efficient heating.