Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has officially opened a new initiative in Sheffield which could lend job hunters who have taken green energy courses a crucial advantage in the employment market.

The Sheffield Solar Farm is made up of a collection of photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on the roof of the University of Sheffield's Hicks building and will provide energy both for the campus itself and the national grid.

"It is an important venture as it is bridging the gap between the research lab and how solar cells are used in the real world," the university's Dr Alistair Buckley - who is a prominent organiser of the scheme - explained following its initial launch in June.

Special equipment will be used to monitor the amount of electricity generated by the PV panels and scientists at the educational institution are already working to create updated solar energy technology.

Last week, Mr Clegg outlined plans to create a "quiet green revolution" as part of the government's new Green Deal project.

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