From Tuesday, the group will offer solar panels from three branches in and around south London as part of a trial aimed at capitalising on growing environmental awareness about climate change, and concerns over energy efficiency.

It will be the first time that solar panels for the home have been available from a major British high-street retailer.

"Our customers are becoming more environmentally aware all the time," Currys managing director Peter Keenan said in a statement.

"But this is far more than a 'green solution' for the home, it is also a perfect way of safeguarding against seemingly inevitable energy price rises."

Solar panels can cut annual household energy bills by up to 50 percent and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by up to two tons, Currys said.

The cost for an average three-bedroom house to have nine solar panels -- enough to cover half a household's electricity requirements -- would be around 9,000 pounds (13,150 euros, 16,800 dollars), it added.

The panels will be manufactured by Japanese electronics maker Sharp at its solar module manufacturing plant in Wrexham, North Wales.

They will be available for purchase from Currys branches in Croydon, Fulham and West Thurrock.

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