§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many solar installations have been completed as a result of the grants made available by her Department; what has been the average cost of these installations to(a) her Department and (b) the recipient of the grant; and what carbon dioxide savings are expected as a result of these installations. [98669]
§ Mr. WilsonBy grants for solar installations we assume it is meant the £20 million First Phase of the Major Photovoltaics Demonstration Programme, which was launched by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 26 March 2002.
Under Stream 1 of the programme (small individual systems up to 5kWp), 171 applications had been received by the middle of February 2003, of which 45 had been completed. The average cost of these installations to both Government and the recipient is £7,241, as the grants cover 50 per cent. of total costs. Most of the recipients are private homeowners, but there are also a few small businesses, schools and community groups. For the 45 completed installations (average 2kWp), total carbon dioxide savings are expected to be in the region of 29,000 kg a year.
Under Stream 2 (medium and large-scale installations from 5 to 100kWp), 90 applications have been made, half of which have been supported, but none have so far been completed.