Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavishas unveiled what he called the “best solar power system in the country” in the form of 1,116 solar panels fixed atop of the Worthy Farm cowshed.

Eavis has had the panels fitted to the roof of the shed which overlooks the festival’s Pyramid Stage. Although they will be used primarily to power the Farm, the panels can generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 40 homes annually.

“We had to make a major statement because we use so much power. This has brought us one big step closer to our goal of operating the farm as ecologically as possible,” comments Eavis. Any leftover energy generated will go into the National Grid.

The installation will also help to feed energy to Worthy Farm during the Glastonbury festival, which in 2011 will take place from June 24-26, although additional power will still be needed to cater for the massive consumption during the event.

“We’ve got the best festival in the world and the best solar power system in the country – so far,” he added. “We’ve got to keep pushing, trying to do more.”