BOSCOMBE’S Sovereign Centre wants to install around 265 solar panels on the roof.

The owners NewRiver Retail have submitted a planning application to the borough council.

They panels are Photovoltaic (PV) generate electricity, as opposed to thermal solar panels which absorb heat.

The planning application says: “The scheme has been sized to make a significant contribution to the building’s electricity bill”

The 250 watt panels will face south and be fixed at a 30 degree angle.

The Government’s feed-in tariff means businesses can not only get paid for generating solar power, but also get paid they export energy back to the national grid.

New River Retail owns 14 shopping centres and bought the Sovereign Centre last year.