British Gas owner Centrica has acquired Solar Technologies Group for £2.8 million in cash, including the repayment of debt.

The deal will enable British Gas to install solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and build on its aim of becoming the leading provider of low carbon energy services.

Solar Technologies is one of the contractors for British Gas' Low Carbon Buildings Programme and is responsible for major PV installations throughout the country, such as at London's City Hall.

Gearoid Lane, managing director of British Gas New Energy, said the acquisition is an important step in renewable and low carbon energy technologies for the firm's customers.

"These technologies will become increasingly important as the UK implements policies to meet its stretching renewable energy and carbon emissions targets," he added.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, PV systems produce no greenhouse gases and a typical domestic system can save around 1.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.