Solar panels have been installed at the US Consulate in an effort to go green.A spokeswoman said the 3.12kW system is expected to save the Consulate more than $1,400 in its first year, and more than $32,000 over the next 25 years should the cost of electricity continue to rise.Consul General Robert Settje said: “We at the Consulate are excited about switching to solar energy, reducing our reliance on imported oil, lessening greenhouse gas emissions and, of course, saving on our electricity bill.“We congratulate Bermuda Engineering for its excellent work at the Consulate and for the role it plays in promoting the use of sustainable resources like solar energy.”Travis Burland, of Bermuda Engineering, said the company was honoured to be selected following a tendering process, saying over 25 years the panels will reduce the Consulate’s carbon footprint by more than 57 tons of carbon dioxide, avoiding the need to import over 110 barrels of foreign oil.“This is a positive step towards energy independence,” he added.